It is always a tragedy when a young person meets their untimely end. That grief is compounded when it is a young person who so evidently had a lifetime of potential ready to share with the world. Such was the case for the passing of one of Broadway’s most talented and young up and comers. Kyle Jean-Baptiste had already made history at the tender age of 21 when, almost directly out of college, he was cast as the first Black and the youngest “Jean Valjean” in the wildly popular Les Miserables. Jean-Baptiste passed away as a result of an accidental fall from a fire escape.
As mourners gathered in Playhouse Square, the grief among those who either knew or were inspired by Jean-Baptiste was palpable. An image of the talented young man with the soulful eyes and the beautiful tenor voice gazed out from the marquee. And the honor befitting a legend was bestowed as the Imperial Theatre dimmed its lights and Kyle Jean-Baptiste was given a final and well deserved ovation.
I thank everyone who supported me and still does. I will never forget this experience. Onwards and upwards ;). Nothing but love @LesMizBway
— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle) August 25, 2015
The Imperial, Richard Rodgers Theatre and Cleveland’s Playhouse Square dimmed their lights at 10:15 PM following the Tuesday evening performance. Generally when this homage is given to a legend, theatres dim their lights around 8:00p.m, as actors are preparing to go on stage. For Jean-Baptiste, The Broadway League decided to dim the lights at 10:15 PM so that members of the Les Miz cast and crew, could also participate in the tribute.
It happened. #Dim4Kyle We love you @BaptisteKyle #YouAreBroadwayBlack @LesMizBway pic.twitter.com/4JEfPMgJrz
— BROADWAY BLACK! (@BroadwayBlack) September 2, 2015
And while the tribute is complete, Kyle Jean-Baptiste’s presence will be missed, but never forgotten. To ensure this was the case, college classmates of Jean-Baptiste from Baldwin Wallace University joined with the Mackintosh Foundation, a London-based philanthropic group created by legendary producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh to launch a scholarship in his name. The scholarship fund, which was partially funded through Go Fund Me, raised more than $35,000 in one day. Astoundingly, in part to an “extraordinary” gift from the Mackintosh Foundation, The Kyle Jean-Baptiste ’15 Music Theatre Scholarship has grown to nearly $135,000.
The outpouring of love and support further evidences the tremendous impact Jean-Baptiste had during his short lifetime. Not only was this young man able to inspire using his artistic talents, but even in his untimely death, others will continue to receive an education in the arts. We extend our heartfelt thank you to the family of Kyle Jean-Baptiste for sharing him with the world. Because of him we know that it is in fact possible for dreams to come true.
🎵 @BaptisteKyle helping us bridge our way to #Friday 🎵 #OneDayMore @lesmisofficial #LesMiz pic.twitter.com/f1hCb5pZiu
— . (@HuffPostVideo) August 13, 2015
To donate to the scholarship fund in honor of Kyle Jean-Baptiste click here.
