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Michael Friedman Obituary
The Public Theater, where Friedman was an artist in residence announced the news.
“Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” made its premiere at The Public Theater in 2009. The play opened on Broadway in 2010.
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The musical was a comedic take on the founding of the Democratic party. The play focuses on the seventh President of the United States and the populist movement. Friedman’s Andrew Jackson is an Emo rock star in the play.
Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis said in a statement.
“Michael Friedman was one of the most brilliant, multi-talented theater artists of our time.” “He was also a miracle of a human being: loving, kind, generous, hilarious, thrilling. His loss leaves a hole in the theater world that cannot be filled, and a hole in the hearts of those who loved him that will last forever.”
“Michael brought so much joy and beauty and humor to our lives,” added his sister Marion Friedman Young. “To lose him so soon is devastating. We are so grateful to the people who loved him, made art with him, and were so supportive of his work, and made it possible for Michael’s extraordinary gifts to reach so many people.”
Read an interview with Michael Friedman in the Los Angeles Times.
Friedman was a co-founder of the Civilians theater company. His other credits include “Canard Canard Goose,” “Nobody’s Lunch,” and “Gone Missing.”
He is survived by his parents, sister, and nephew.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Friedman
19 Entries
M C
October 6, 2017
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. I hope you find comfort and help in God during this time of sorrow.
September 13, 2017
My prayers goes out to the Friedman family. May the hearer of prays strength all of you in this time of loss (psalm 145:18-19)
MO
Carlotta
September 12, 2017
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Friedman family and friends at this difficult time.
September 12, 2017
Sorry for your loss. May the family find peace during this time.
Porter
Sally small
September 11, 2017
Michael is loved and missed by so many. May the Almighty God of comfort be with his family and friends at this time of deep sorrow. God love you
September 11, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
Deborah Ellis
September 11, 2017
To the families and friends of Michael Friedman. I do not know the families personally but we all lose love ones in death. I just want to send my deepest condolences to the families. May God give all of you comfort and peace at this difficult time. Please allow God to strengthen you in your grief. Just rely on God fully.
Mark Kopinski
September 11, 2017
Very sorry for your loss. He has left a legacy that will outlive us all. Peace
Thomas
September 11, 2017
Michael was ahead of me in college and we had different interests but he was a force of nature. I am quite certain his life touch many others, and that the world has lost someone that will be missed, dearly, by many, many people.
September 11, 2017
May God sustain you at your time of loss
September 11, 2017
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
September 11, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 11, 2017
To the family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort, continue to bless you and bring comfort to your family.
carolyn
September 11, 2017
The Family,
Please accept my condolence for your loss.
Gwyn Osnos
September 10, 2017
** Profoundly Sad, Confounded and Angry
This morning I woke up to the news that Michael Friedman, the brilliant, warm, political, theatre artist, had died from complications of HIV/AIDS. Merely an avid fan and acquaintance - not a relative, friend or collaborator - I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, as I still do this evening. I naively thought that people of Michael's generation just didn't die of AIDS, that the plague that had taken so many artists of earlier generations had, somehow, been conquered.
Last November 8th, I attended Michael's Election Night Hootenanny' at Joe's Pub. I couldn't imagine a better crowd with which to watch the election returns. Fortuitously, I was seated with Ato Blankson-Wood and Michael's long-time collaborator, Justin Levine. We all know how that night ended.
In February, I saw Michael at 54 Below, where I attended the CD drop party for Pretty Filthy,' one of my favorite musicals of recent years, along with Fortress of Solitude' and BBAJ, which I saw eight times, several times with my son. I had previously seen This Beautiful City,' but had not realized that Michael was the composer.
When Michael saw me at 54 Below, he greeted me warmly. I commented on how much I admired his empathy, demonstrated in Pretty Filthy' and his other work. He mentioned that he'd just reviewed a book that argues that empathizing can do more harm than good. The next day, I ordered a subscription to BookForum, which published the review. I waited impatiently for the Feb/Mar 2017 issue to arrive, read the review immediately upon receipt, and wrote Michael an email about it, which I never sent.
I was excited about Michael's inaugural summer as Artistic Director of Encores! Off-Center, buying a ticket for each of the season's three shows as soon as they went on sale. I loved that two of the three musicals that Michael had chosen for the season featured female, African-American protagonists. After each performance, I wandered the City Center lobby hoping to catch a glimpse of Michael and congratulate him, but never found him. I'm kicking myself for not having persisted. I wouldn't have known to say, "Good-bye," but at least I'd have had one last time to acknowledge his artistry.
I've spent much of today reading loving tributes to Michael, watching videos of him and listening to his albums. I ache when I think about all that Michael had left to create, that we will never get to experience. Good-bye, Michael. We miss you already.
September 10, 2017
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
September 10, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with the family and give you peace.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
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