Gina Ness Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 I am sad to tell you all that Marc Platt died yesterday, March 29th, 2014. He was born on December 2nd, 1913 and celebrated his 100th birthday with a beautiful party last year organized by his wonderful family. He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends... Marc was a treasure. He was one of the last of that great generation of dancers of the Ballets Russes represented so beautifully in the Ballets Russes documentary in which he was featured. He was a star on Broadway, creating the role of "Dream Curly" in the original Broadway production of "Oklahoma!". He was featured in the later film, as well. In addition to being a featured star on Broadway, he made several films including "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (he was brother Daniel!), "Tonight and Every Night", and "Down to Earth" among several others. From 1962 to 1970 he was principal choreographer of the ballet at Radio City Music Hall. He married Jean Goodall who was a dancer appearing in several films including "Carousel", "Guys and Dolls", and "Pajama Game". Together, they owned ballet schools and created local companies from 1962 through 1992 in both New York and Florida. Marc moved to California in 1994 to be closer to his family. In addition to being a guest artist in several Bay Area local company productions including Marin Dance Theater, Marc became a good friend to me and to Santa Rosa Dance Theater. He would come and watch rehearsals, coach, and give wonderful, always "spot on" feedback to our students. We adored him!!! He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. What an amazing man and artist! It was a blessing to know him... Link to comment
Helene Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 Oh, what sad news... Rest in peace, Mr. Platt. Link to comment
sandik Posted March 30, 2014 Share Posted March 30, 2014 This is indeed sad news -- commiserations to everyone. Link to comment
Amy Reusch Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 https://vimeo.com/47761364 Link to comment
KarenAG Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 This is very sad news. I enjoyed Mr. Platt and his recollections in the film Ballets Russes. He had a very full life and made many valuable contributions. Rest in Peace, Mr. Platt. Link to comment
Marga Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 R.I.P. So happy to hear Marc Platt lived a long life. I love that 7 Brides videoclip and have watched it so many times throughout the decades. I always follow Jacques d'Amboise around in it, although he doesn't have as much dancing to do as a few of the others. Now I've got Marc Platt to watch, too. Link to comment
atm711 Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Thank you Gina Ness for that lovely tribute. He came across in his dancing as a very "down-to-earth" person. lacking pretense and airs. Rest in peace, gentle man. Link to comment
Stage Right Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Yes, thank you for that portrait of Marc Platt. I'm so sorry to hear that he's gone. I, too, knew him mostly from his appearance in Ballet Russes, where I found him instantly engaging and interesting. And it's also sad that he's the last of those amazing dancers….. Link to comment
Gina Ness Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 In the "Barn Raising Dance" from "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" posted above, Marc is brother Daniel in the purple shirt... Link to comment
volcanohunter Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 This is such sad news. My condolences to his family. And yet what I can't bring myself to write is "rest in peace," because his dancing was like pure joy. I'd like to think of him dancing for all eternity. Link to comment
Helene Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 The Flamenco clip from "Tonight and Every Night" is one of my all-time favorites. His upper body was so still when he did footwork! I know he was over 100, but it just doesn't seem possible that he's no longer here. Link to comment
Gina Ness Posted April 1, 2014 Author Share Posted April 1, 2014 http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/marc-platt-dies-seven-brides-692387 Link to comment
Gina Ness Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/02/arts/dance/marc-platt-100-stage-and-screen-dancer-dies.html?_r=0 Link to comment
Gina Ness Posted April 7, 2014 Author Share Posted April 7, 2014 http://www.latimes.com/obituaries/la-me-marc-platt-20140404,0,2061435.story#axzz2yB2R6P9H Link to comment
Gina Ness Posted May 1, 2014 Author Share Posted May 1, 2014 http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/marc-platt-dies-at-100-performed-with-ballet-russe-de-monte-carlo-and-on-broadway/2014/04/01/5af142fe-b929-11e3-9a05-c739f29ccb08_story.html Link to comment
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