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Kimber was sage of South Bay theater
by Jason Dietrich
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Irv Kimber worked hands on with practically every part of the production. He’s shown here in 1997 with a prop for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." |
Irvin Kimber, a lifelong devotee of South Bay musical theater, died Sunday of colon cancer at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 53.
Kimber was a founding member of the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities and musical theater instructor at University of California, Irvine and Torrance’s Professional School for the Arts. Among his professional credits were the direction of a pair of Super Bowl halftime shows and numerous award-winning stage productions throughout Southern California.
"He was absolutely wonderful, a consummate professional. And he would do everything, from driving nails to painting sets to hooking up phone lines," said Patty Robichaud, a former member of the Civic Light Opera.
She characterized Kimber as a man who never sought the limelight but was instrumental behind the scenes and often worked without pay.
Kimber lived in Redondo Beach and founded the Civic Light Opera along with current Executive Director James Blackman in 1991.
In the early days of the South Bay Civic Light Opera, Kimber arranged performance rights, conducted auditions, rented sets, conducted the orchestra and even repaired props. He was heavily involved with the Civic Light Opera’s world premier production of "Western Star" and directed, conducted and became technical director for the company’s production of "La Cage aux Folles" which won the now-defunct Dramalog Magazine’s best production award.
He helped put on the Civic Light Opera’s production of "Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" which set box office records for the company. He directed the company’s version of "Phantom of the Opera" which also played to packed houses.
Kimber shared his knowledge of musical theater with students without reserve, said Lisa Matsko Hamilton, a former student of his who went on to help found the Professional School for the Arts. Kinder often brought in industry professionals to teach classes and help students.
"He was a mentor to so many of us here. He helped so many of his students in so many ways. A lot of them have gone on to Broadway," she said.
Kimber was born in Corona on March 10, 1948 and his musical talents were recognized early in life. He graduated from Gardena High School and went on to study music with harpsichordist Malcolm Hamilton.
Kimber was diagnosed with cancer several months ago.
Private services will be held at a Los Angeles Church. A scholarship has been set up in his memory. Donations can be made to the Irv Kimber Music Theater Scholarship Fund through the Professional Arts Education Center, 1321 _ Satori Ave., Torrance CA 90501. An event benefiting the scholarship fund is will be held in June. Redondo’s May 15 City Council meeting will be adjourned in Kimber’s memory. ER