Celebration for the late Paul Lucas by Patricia Arlin Bradley ‘82:

A Celebration of Life for Paul Lucas was held on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at the Irene Diamond Stage at the Pershing Square Signature Center in New York City. Like Paul himself, the program was wildly creative, reflecting the many talents among the many who knew and loved him. Acting and producing colleagues talked about his generosity of spirit and his unparalleled ability to make connections. Rousing Celtic fiddle tunes spoke to his deep involvement in the success of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The Dwight-Englewood community was well-represented. Barbara Weber-Scaff ’81 flew in from France for the weekend and performed “If I Were a Bell.” Susan Taplinger ‘80 appeared in a tribute video. Also in attendance were Jill Sprung Alexander ‘79, Ilyse Kaplan ‘79, Heidi Skolnik ‘79, Maria Sanchez Gardner ‘78, Kris Kossmann ‘80, Cici Kossmann Wilkinson ‘80, and Cici’s son, John Wilkinson ‘15. Memories of Paul’s years at D-E were spoken of with great joy, as was his legendary portrayal of the title character in Oliver! as an eighth grader.

I had been texting back and forth with Paul’s husband, Kendall Messick, in the days before the memorial. Dave and I had celebrated our thirty-sixth wedding anniversary less than a week before, remembering how beautifully Paul had sung at our service. I was truly saddened that I’d never hear that glorious voice again. But the celebration closed with a video of Paul singing “What You Call a Dream” and for just a moment, we were all transported.