In a heartfelt video shot before his death and shared via the Center’s Facebook page after his passing, Archambault tearfully spoke about his love for both the Center and the essential role it plays in the community.
“I was blessed with an amazing God-given family,” he said in the video. “But this chosen family within these walls has been just as great a blessing.”
The video has been viewed more than 50,000 times and has received 180 comments from locals expressing shock, sadness, and fond memories of the exuberant artistic energy and kindness Archambault infused into his local theater productions and classes.
“Everyone knew who Kevin was,” Terese Ohnsorg said over email. She played Mrs. Darling in Archambault’s 2014 production of “Peter Pan.” “He had a charisma that went beyond his good looks. He exuded positivity and energy. It’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
Juliet Izon of Milan fondly recalled the week-long summer classes her daughter took with Archambault, for which he shaped the vision for children’s productions of “The Wizard of Oz” and a revue of Disney songs, for example. “All the kids adored him. He was so patient and so passionate. It’s such a huge loss for the local theater community,” Izon said.
Archambault grew up in Colorado, where he attended the Denver School of the Arts, and went on to work on more than 60 productions while part of the Austin Musical Theater Company. He moved to New York in 2001 and, later, to the Hudson Valley, his obituary stated. After auditioning for a play at the Center, he became staff and went on to work on 34 productions there, plus more elsewhere in the local area.
“It had always been my intent for him to succeed me, and we worked tirelessly together to ensure that he knew everything there was to know,” said Lou Trapani, Founder and Managing Director of the Center, where Archambault served as Trapani’s assistant artistic and managing director before becoming artistic director.
“Kevin was a consummate pro, always on top of his game, and each rehearsal was a master class in acting/directing. Audiences gravitated to him like flowers to the sun, bending to catch his every move, hear his every word. To say that he was a star is an understatement.”
Olivia Michaels, the Center’s media director, shared a lengthy remembrance of Archambault on the Center’s Facebook page and, when asked for comment, referred to that social post.
“I am devastated. Like every single person Kevin ever met, he had a huge impact on me and my life. As a staff, this loss is indescribable,” Michaels wrote. “All of us have connections with Kevin outside of our work … We are a family and we are truly in mourning.”
“He changed my life,” Cheyenne See, a teacher and facilities manager at the Center, said via email. She first met Archambault when she was a student at Dutchess Community College (DCC), where she auditioned and won the role of Maureen in Archambault’s 2013 production of “Rent.” Archambault was a theater professor at the school.
“His trust, his patience, his guidance, and his pure and absolutely immeasurable JOY for making theater hooked me immediately,” See shared on Facebook. “A week after rehearsals began, I changed my major to Musical Theater Performance.”
“I catch myself thinking of him as the son my old self never had,” Trapani said. “Kevin always called me ‘Daddy Lou,’ and I shall miss my dear boy. More than I can say.”
A virtual community vigil is planned on Sunday, Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. via Zoom.
This content was originally published here.
