Choreographer directed local theater

Timothy Albrecht / 1965-2006

Timothy Albrecht, a Broadway performer and choreographer best known in Hawaii for his work at Diamond Head Theatre, died in his sleep Friday while visiting friends in Los Angeles. He was 41.

The cause of death is unknown but is believed to have been either a sudden massive heart attack or an aneurysm.

Albrecht, who described Hawaii as "My favorite place!" in the program notes for Diamond Head Theatre's current production of "Cinderella," was looking forward to vacationing here next spring, but had several television and film production projects in Los Angeles in the interim.

Director Greg Zane, who brought Albrecht to Hawaii in 2004 to choreograph DHT's "Seussical," and again for "Cinderella," recalled him as a "mastermind" and more.

"Tim was not only my collaborator in the theater, but in life. He was a light in the darkness of the world for me. I can't count how many times he made me laugh so hard in all of our adventures in NYC and in Honolulu. I will miss my best friend's compassion, love, passion, intelligence, humor and laughter."

In addition to his work with Zane, Albrecht directed and choreographed DHT's "The Full Monty" in 2005.

His Broadway performance credits include the original cast of the 1995 revival of "Show Boat" and the cast of "Ain't Broadway Grand?" He was also a member of the Kennedy Theatre performing company.

His national credits as a choreographer include the 10th season of "The View," the "Broadway Bares Benefits for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS," and "Pretty Dead Girl," a Sundance Film Festival selection.

Albrecht was also principal choreographer for the Rosie O'Donnell Show.

DHT Artistic Director Deena Dray recalled Albrecht as "a wonderful director and choreographer, a talented theater professional, a warm and caring mentor to our DHT casts, and a great friend to everyone at DHT. ... We were lucky to know him."

Born in 1965, Albrecht grew up in Great Falls, Mont., and moved to New York City in the late 1980s. He is survived by his parents, Ken and Bunky Albrecht, his brother, Joe, and his sister, Denise.

A family funeral will be held in Great Falls on Dec. 18, with a memorial service/luau celebration in New York on Jan. 8. Plans are pending for similar observances at Diamond Head Theatre.

"Cinderella," Albrecht's final work as a choreographer, continues through Dec. 23.