James Tommaney

Jim was a lovely man. After I emailed him several times wanting to work with him, he cast me in his theatrical production of 'Men'. Since I didn't have a drivers license he would pick me up and drive me to the theatre. We had many nice conversations about the theatre and when I asked him where I should study acting, he told me to go to New York where the best teachers were. I did and studied at The Lee Strasberg Institute there. Thank you Jim for everything, you were an inspiration and a...

Jim was a great man he published my first short story in the south beach publication the Wire. I worked with him doing various design projects both in the theater as well as his real estate properties. I learned a lot from this man and think that he genuinely cared for the progression of my literary career. It saddens me and I have great regret that I let him down in certain ways. He is and will forever be a great inspiration in my life.

April 21, 2017

Remembering Jim Tommaney,

I have just learned of the death of Jim Tommaney, a theatrical legend in our time. My wife and I and several Yale alumni attended his creative productions in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, often followed by dinner. I have forwarded 3 of his signed scripts, South Beach, Reality TV, and Couturier to my grand-daughter, a student of theatrical production for her inspiration.

I was Jim's classmate at Yale, and shared some theatrical activity with him. I was thrilled to bump into him later in Korea, where we both served. Following the hostilities I managed a chain of NCO clubs and had access to "the Locker Fund", i.e. purchase of real beverages. Jim liked the idea he could pick up a case or two for his outfit at embarrassing low wholesale rates---no doubt making him more popular than he needed to be. We once hiked up into a rare protected wooded mountain and...

You were truly a man of the theatre. Your humanity, passion, talent and enthusiasm inspired me. Thank you for the opportunities you gave me to step out on the boards and live my dream. I have very fond memories of being directed by you at Edge Theatre in "I Take Your Hand in Mine", "Fit to be Tied" and a play you wrote, "The Tarnished Bell". You were also responsible for my being cast in Edge's production of "The Cocktail Hour". For all of the aforesaid, I am eternally grateful. Rest in...

You gave me a first opportunity to perform in South Florida, one of my favorite roles as Peter in ZOO STORY. And then do other shows, and direct THE COCKTAIL HOUR with my good friends Joel, Joanne and Brian. Thank you for giving your all to South Florida Theatre. Even though the venues and audiences could be small at times, you were always the "energizer bunny" of our theatre community.

Will miss you my dear friend, your words will always live on.
Helen MZ Harwood and Alvaro Garcia