DO40 CELEBRATES THE LIFE AND TIMES OF BOARD MEMBER
LAWRENCE MERRITT

DO40 friends and family included (seated L to R) Kirsten Lawrick, Shela Xoregos, Marilyn D'honau, Karin Baker Greg Kayne, Jean Preece, Eileen Casey, Leni Anders, Jami Landi, Sandy Nance, Sasha Spielvogel and Unknown, (standing L to R) Lee Roy Reams, Susan Sigrist, Sharon Wendrow, Darlene Larson, Richard Tschudy, Francine Storey, Jane Coleman, Nickolas Viselli, Kelly Bishop DO40 prez John Sefakis, Lawrence Leritz, Priscilla Lopez, James Dybas, Patrick McCarthy and Bobby Hedglin-Taylor and Unknown.

HELD SUNDAY, MAY 7TH AT
THEATER BREAKING THROUGH BARRIERS
ON WEST 42ND STREET

Remembering Larry Merritt – In the front row, L to R, Kelly Bishop, Jean Preece, Greg Kayne, Karin Baker, Sharon Wendrow, Lee Roy Reams, Priscilla Lopez

Another moving evening for DO40, this time celebrating the Life and Times of board member Lawrence Merritt, who passed away in January. Held at Theater Breaking Through Barrier's performance space for God of Carnage (special thanks to executive director Nicholas Viselli), it celebrated Lawrence the singer/dancer AND actor. Speakers included Nicholas Viselli, DO40 president John Sefakis, Lawrence's partner, Richard Tschudy, Shela Xoregos and Lee Roy Reams. Also, audience members shared their humorous and memorable stories of LM, including pasties and sex (TMI) stories! But all in all, we celebrated the professionalism that Lawrence embodied, whether it be in a Broadway show, Off-Broadway, dancing or acting late in his career (with Theater Breaking Through Barriers over the past 15 years).

Before the event with DO40 prez John Sefakis, Jean Preece, Greg Kayne, Karin Baker-Kayne, Kelly Bishop, Sharon Wendrow (back) Lawrence Leritz, Leni Anders and Eileen Casey.

Lawrence had many physical challenges, which affected him over the last 30 years. No matter what, he always made it to our board meetings. COVID actually helped as his physical acuity diminished. Once he learned the Zoom situation, so we could still keep him in the loop at all times, even “after” COVID. A warrior dancer at all times!

On stage after the show, meeting and greeting old friends: James Dybas, Priscilla Lopez, Lawrence Leritz and Sharon Wendrow.

Some of the DO40 friends and family included Kirsten Lawrick, Shela Xoregos, Marilyn D'honau, Karin Baker Greg Kayne, Jean Preece, Eileen Casey, Leni Anders, Jami Landi, Sandy Nance, Sasha Spielvogel, Lee Roy Reams, Susan Sigrist, Sharon Wendrow, Darlene Larson, Richard Tschudy, Francine Storey, Jane Coleman, Nickolas Viselli, Kelly Bishop DO40 prez John Sefakis, Lawrence Leritz, Priscilla Lopez, James Dybas, Patrick McCarthy and Bobby Hedglin-Taylor. Special thanks to TBTB Executive Director Nicholas Viselli, our great board and hardy crew of Manny Santiago on video and Jeff Eason on photos! And special, special thanks to DO40 Advisory Board Member Lori Tan Chinn for donating the food and beverages for the evening! So sorry she could not be there, as she is a busy lady nowadays, with Nora from Queens and movie voice-over work!

DO40 prez John Sefakis with Kelly Bishop, long time Larry Merrit friend.

At the Yotel celebration after with Sandy Nance, Darlene Larson, Francine Storey & Eileen Casey

Waiting for food to arrive at the Yotel! L to R, Jean Preece, Greg Kayne, Karin Baker, Leni Anders, Jami Landi, Marilyn D’honau, Nicholas Viselli, DO40 prez John Sefakis, Lawrence Leritz, Lee Roy Reams, Sharon Wendrow, James Dybas and Shela Xoregos.