THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 7, 1996 TAG: 9604040016
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
It has been said that, ``It is the duty of those who remain to write history.'' I find myself in this position.
One of the most unique and creative artists to live and work in Hampton Roads left this life recently. I know it is impossible for any obituary to capture a person's life, but I did not want her life left described only by the word ``entertainer.''
Arnyce Anders was a singer, composer/lyricist, actress, musician and teacher. She created such roles as Mama Rose and Dolly Levi on the now forgotten stages of the Cavalier and the Summer Sands.
She was a brilliant wit whose cabaret talents were enjoyed by thousands at various clubs throughout the area. She was a frequent performer for various local television programs and always appeared for charity causes, in particular alongside Pete Decker for St. Jude's.
Arnyce was also a most prolific artist. I once reached out to her about the possibility of collaborating in a musical. Before I could propose the details, she had sent me an entire musical (book, music and lyrics) that she had written in one week, based on the wit and wisdom of then-Artistic Director of the Academy Ballet Gene Hammett.
``Tutu Divine'' remains as a record of some of the most amazing people to live and work among us. If Hampton Roads had had an Algonquin Round Table, Arnyce would have been the head of it.
RON STOKES
New York City, March 22, 1996 by CNB