Theater to hold Feldman service
A memorial service is set for Saturday for local community theater actor and director Kenneth Feldman, who died Sept. 26 after surgery. He was 73.
Feldman had a big impact on community theater in Las Vegas, said longtime friend Paul Thornton, and his presence will be hard to replace.
He was friends with Neil Simon's brother, Danny, and directed the world premiere of Simon's play "The Convertible Girl" in 1989 at Las Vegas Little Theater, Thornton said. Simon attended opening night.
Feldman got started in community theater in 1982 after auditioning for a part in a University of Nevada, Las Vegas production of "The Last President."
He later earned a reputation for mentoring up-and-coming local actors, Thornton said.
Perhaps Feldman's greatest contribution was helping Las Vegas Little Theater survive and thrive financially, said Thornton, who met Feldman in 1982. The local theater company is in its 30th season.
Feldman, who was on the theater's board, started his directing career there with "The Woolgatherer" in 1983.
He directed more than 20 shows for local community theaters and had been on every local stage, Thornton said. Feldman last directed "Jake's Women" for the Las Vegas Little Theater in March.
"He did quite a bit of stuff, everything from comedies and dramas to musicals, although he couldn't sing," Thornton said.
Feldman moved to Las Vegas in 1961 from Pittsburgh, said his wife, Lee Feldman. He worked as a speech pathologist for the state for a few years before retiring.
He liked to remain active, though, and started a career in real estate. He also enjoyed substitute teaching, mentoring students in high school drama departments.
"Theater was his life," Lee Feldman said.
He is survived by his wife; stepdaughter, Andrea Glover; stepson, Bradley Grover; grandchildren, Josh and Jared Glover; and his brother, Marc Feldman; all of Las Vegas.
The memorial service will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at Las Vegas Little Theater, 3920 Schiff Drive.
