Beloved opera, theatre, and film director Dennis Whitehead Darling died May 17 following an e-scooter accident, according to Opera Wire. He was 59.
At the time of his death, Mr. Darling was working as associate director on Off-Broadway's Lights Out: Nat "King" Cole at New York Theatre Workshop. He had been involved in the production since its earliest development, working with his close friend and collaborator Patricia McGregor, the show鈥檚 director/co-writer and NYTW's Artistic Director.
Said McGregor, 鈥淔or almost a decade, Dennis has been my most frequent collaborator and one of my closest friends. The unflappable joy of his spirit mixed with his curiosity and ingenuity made him invaluable in any process. He was a stellar director and music director who also lit up a room when he walked in. Through his craft and encouragement, he empowered other artists to shine as well. Of his many talents, what is irreplaceable is the abundance of his heart. Our artistic family at Lights Out is devastated by the loss of our beloved brother as are his godchildren, Orion and Jupiter. We carry the sweetness of his memory with us, and we hope the work of our head, hands and heart will honor his mighty spirit. Dennis, you are loved鈥攆orever and ever.鈥�
An opera director as well, Mr. Darling's also recently directed The Anonymous Lover at Opera Philadelphia.
Mr. Darling was the recipient of three B. Iden Payme Awards for Outstanding Direction and a four-time Ostrander Award Winner. In 2018, Mr. Darling was selected by Opera Memphis as their Inaugural McCleave Fellow in Directing, a fellowship dedicated to fostering the careers of Stage Directors and Music Directors of color. Throughout his career, Mr. Darling expressed one major goal, "to tell emotionally engaging and provocative stories that challenge the viewer to see the world from a different perspective."
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality three weeks before Mr. Darling鈥檚 wedding to his husband Bryan, and they were one of the first gay weddings to be published in Martha Stewart鈥檚 Weddings magazine. Said Bryan: "It is so hard in a few words to honor a man who changed my life forever. He taught me, by his actions, to love generously, connect deeply, and to have a giddy sense of exploration. He has completed his journey, and I really think he鈥檚 excited about exploring this new place. Our magical man is making friends, listening to their stories, connecting those that he feels need to be connected, and smiling with that indescribable glowing smile that lets you know you鈥檙e important to him. Please speak his name often, tell happy stories about how you met him, don鈥檛 stop expressing your love for each other, and to honor him, stay deeply connected."
Mr. Darling is survived by his husband and his godchildren.
