Musical Theatre West to Hold John Bisom Memorial on March 26

John Bisom, an actor who performed in many shows at Musical Theatre West over the last fifteen years, passed away March 16 at the age of 47.

"It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to one of Musical Theatre West’s favorite sons, actor John Bisom,” states Steven Glaudini, MTW’s artistic director. “John first joined the MTW family in 1995 when he played Jesus in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and went on to play several memorable roles, including his Ovation-nominated performance as The Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ. He will be sorely missed.”

John’s last appearance on the Musical Theatre West stage was in 2010 in 1776 as Thomas Jefferson. A multi-talented performer, he also starred in MTW productions of THE WIZARD OF OZ, SHE LOVES ME, THE FULL MONTY, THAT THING ABOUT MEN and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR as well as headlining in Meredith Willson’S THE MUSIC MAN IN CONCERT with the Long Beach Symphony Pops. His work around Southern California included: BYE BYE BIRDIE, COMPANY, THE MUSIC MAN, THE ANDREWS BROTHERS, INTO THE WOODS, CRAZY FOR YOU and THE Will Rogers FOLLIES. John was recently part of the national tour of MAMMA MIA as Sam. His television and film credits included “Desperate Housewives,” “Veronica Mars,” “ER,” “Three Sisters,” “Roswell,” “Charmed,” and “Norm.” His vocal talents can be heard in the Dreamworks animated film “Shrek.”

The celebration honoring John Bisom will be held Monday, March 26th at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center located on the campus of Cal State Long Beach at 6200 E. Atherton, Long Beach, CA 90815. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Musical Theatre West has set up a Memorial Fund in John’s name. The John Bisom Memorial Fund will defray Johnny’s outstanding medical expenses and settle his final affairs. All remaining money will be used to create a John Bisom Scholarship Fund and each year a high school student in Johnny’s hometown, Long Beach, will be awarded funds for studies in the fine arts. Any donations for The John Bisom Memorial Fund should be made out to Musical Theatre West (with memo – For John Bisom Memorial Fund) and sent to 4350 E. 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90804. Musical Theatre West is a 501(c)(3) California non-profit corporation, Federal Tax ID 95-6100108.

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