About 60 years ago, a little boy from Carr Square Village sat in The Muny’s free seats and saw his future. Ken Page had found his place in the world as he entered a new one presented on stage in Forest Park. That moment was the catalyst for a career that spanned nearly fifty years – and a life of service to the field of theater, particularly musical theatre.
Page passed away on September 30 at the age of 70.
That boy in the free seats went on to become a legend – and “The Voice of The Muny.” Next week the Muny will honor his life with a special celebration at The Sheldon.
Friends, family and fans are invited to take part in a Community Celebration & Memorial age, honoring his life and work on April 11th at The Sheldon.
“I miss Ken every day,” said Muny Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson. “This memorial is a chance for all of us to celebrate his life and to honor a true individual.”
Page made his Muny debut in 1972 in the ensemble of “South Pacific.” In less than a decade he went from Muny ensemble cast to Broadway star – and role originator.
He made his Broadway debut as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the all-Black revival of “Guys and Dolls” and starred as Old Deuteronomy in the original Broadway company of Cats. His name is permanently etched in the Broadway musical theatre canon thanks to the Tony Award-winning musical “Ain’t Misbehavin,’’’ which highlighted the genius of Thomas “Fats” Waller. The role he originated in 1978 bears his name and continues to be a Black musical theatre classic. In London’s West End, he performed in “Children of Eden” and “My One and Only in Concert” (London Palladium).
Page provided the voice for Mr. Oogie Boogie in the Disney/Tim Burton animated film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and performed the score live around the world. His other film credits include “Dreamgirls,” “Torch Song Trilogy” and “All Dogs Go to Heaven.”
Throughout his impressive career – that also included writing and directing – he was never far from where it all began. He graced the Muny stage in more than 45 shows, most recently as the Bishop of Digne in Les Misérables during the 2024 season. Since 2013, Page served as “the voice of The Muny,” his singular baritone welcoming audience members before each performance. He also voiced the theatre’s TV and radio advertisements.
“Ken Page — through his excellence, his poise and above all his remarkable spirit — was so much more than an icon,” said Muny President & CEO Kwofe Coleman. “He cared deeply for his work but valued most the people who had the gift of knowing him.”
Page received lifetime achievement awards from the Manhattan Association of Cabaret Artists, Project One Voice/Black Theatre, and the St. Louis Arts and Education Council.
Produced by The Muny, The Community Celebration & Memorial for Ken Page has been organized by a friends committee that includes Carrie Houk, Isaacson, Lana Pepper, Laura Peters, Greg Schweizer, Mary Strauss and Pat Vogelsang.
“Like so many in St. Louis and across the country, he inspired me, made me laugh and foremost was with me from day one on my journey at The Muny,” Isaacson said.
The Community Celebration & Memorial for Ken Page will be held Friday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. at The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd. in Grand Center. Tickets are available through MetroTix.com. Tickets are free, and each order is limited to two tickets. All seating will be general admission. For more information, visit www.muny.org.