STEVEN J. CALZARETTA (1968-2026)
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Steven J. Calzaretta, 57—a “beacon of light” in Chicago theater with nearly 40 years of directing, performing and song-writing—died in February. In a career that spanned directing, acting, singing and composing, Steve took on everything from performingi n new works (1989’s Music on Stage’s MUSICAL: A GENERIC COMEDY) to anchoring musical theater classics (King Arthur in CAMELOT AT Pheasant Run Theatre, 1996) to high camp( “MUSICAL BINGO, Apollo Theatre, 2015) to beloved contemporary shows (LEGALLY BLONDE, Marriott Lincolnshire, 2012). In 2020, he was named Musical Theatre Director of the Decade by Broadway World, the award singling out his glorious 2013 staging of OLIVER for Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace.
A 1986 graduate of Mount Prospect High School and an Arlington Heights native, Steve also had a successful career as a songwriter, blending country pop with rock and lyrical storytelling in his album “Miles Apart.” Steven’s leadership skills were evident in the “day jobs” he tackled: from 2014 until 2017, he served as Artistic Director of the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center at Morton College, where he oversaw dozens of productions from programming to curtain call. He then took charge of the Palace Theatre in the Wisconsin Dells, starting as general manager for the venue and eventually being named its Artistic Director. The Jedlicka Arts Center took to social media to remember Steve, praising his work both on and off-stage, calling him a “gifted actor, passionate director, and most importantly, a true friend.” “Last week lost a beacon of light...Steve had that rare ability to light up both a stage and a room,” the Jedlick Center noted on Facebook. “As an actor, he gave his heart to every role he touched. As a director, he guided others with patience and a quiet confidence that made everyone around him better. “He showed up for people. He listened. He laughed loudly and deeply. We have lost a remarkable talent.” Post-pandemic, Steve and his wife Michelle relocated to California where he focused on his singing/songwriting career. He also performed for years with his band, Gone Country, drawing on musical influences including Kenny Rogers and Travis Tritt as well as Elvis and Journey frontman Steve Perry. Fulton Theatre Executive Artistic Director Marc Robin—who worked in Chicago with Steve on numerous productions—remembered his friend on social media. “Last week, however, one of our closest friends left far too soon,” Robin wrote. “(It) made us really evaluate life and how precious it is and how important it is to live it while we can.” Steve is survived by Michelle Calzaretta, his wife of 33 years; his sons, John Calzaretta and Robert Calzaretta; his father, Anthony J. Calzaretta; his brother, Anthony Calzaretta (Jenny); and his brother, JosephCalzaretta. He was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Calzaretta. |