Sad News

Sad to hear about the passing of Benny Key last Friday.

Benny was an incredibly talented musician who worked in innumerable shows in our community and on Broadway.

He was quite a character and always fun to be around. I think I first met him when he was the music director for First Stage's You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown in 2000, but I saw him at many other shows and he was always a hoot. He had boundless enthusiasm for the theatre and was a great advocate for the arts.

Here's his obituary from today's Herald-Dispatch:

GREGORY "Benny" KEY, 62, of Kenova, W.Va., died Friday, March 25, 2011, at his home. He was born Sept. 7, 1948, in Huntington, W.Va., a son of the late H. N. and Alberta Turner Key.

Benny was a talented musician who was associated with many musical and theatrical organizations in both the Tri-State area and New York City.

He is survived by one sister and brother-in-law, Darla and David Slater of Huntington; a niece, Andi Tilly and her husband Jason; a great niece, Erin Tilly, all of Clearwater, Fla.; one uncle, John Turner of Kenova; two aunts, Geraldine Tait and Leanna Ford; and several cousins.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, March 28, 2011, at Rollins Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Woodmere Cemetery in Huntington, W.Va.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Cabell Wayne Association of the Blind.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.