Show honors local-born
Broadway star

Obituaries

By John Berger
Star-Bulletin

Broadway entertainer Francis Ruivivar, who died May 23 in Las Vegas after a long battle with chronic myelogenous leukemia, will be remembered in a memorial tribute June 24 in the Outrigger Main Showroom.

"What we want to do is pay tribute to him and his life," said Ruivivar's brother Tony Ruivivar, leader of the Society of Seven. "A lot of entertainers have offered to do something as Friends of Frankie. We don't know exactly who is going to be doing anything yet, but it will definitely be Society of Seven and Society of Seven-LV and Jimmy Borges, and Cathy Foy, who knew Frankie from his New York days."

Frances Kirk, a friend whose ties to the Ruivivar family go back to their days together in Hong Kong, is working on a video tribute. And Tony's son Anthony is closing as the lead in "Watchers," an off-Broadway production, and returning home for the memorial.

"(Anthony) always looked up to his uncle Frank," Tony said.

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Hawaii, Francis Ruivivar graduated from Kalani High School in 1979 and earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Loretto Heights College in Denver. He debuted on Broadway in "Chess" in 1988 and appeared in "Starlight Express" and Stephen Sondheim's "Passion."

Ruivivar became part of Broadway history when he replaced Jonathan Pryce in the starring role of The Engineer in the Broadway production of "Miss Saigon." He also originated the role of Lord Toranaga in "Shogun: The Musical."

Ruivivar toured nationally in "Cats," "Evita," "The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber," and portrayed the Cowardly Lion in a revival of "The Wizard Of Oz." He also appeared in the Las Vegas-based production, "Notre Dame de Paris."

Ruivivar wowed local audiences in 1997 when he came home twice for short engagements in Waikiki showrooms. Ruivivar's "Broadway on the Beach!" showcase production was a summertime delight for two weekends at the Polynesian Palace. He returned two months later with "Broadway Show Stoppers!" which reaffirmed his skill and versatility as a singer, dancer, actor, musician and storyteller.

Ruivivar contributed to the local entertainment scene by becoming part of the brain trust that guided the "YES!" revue at the Polynesian Palace. He also helped with the development of the Society of Seven-Las Vegas.

Ruivivar is also survived by his wife, singer/actress Cathryn Croft.

The Francis Ruivivar memorial show is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. June 24. For more information call 923-SHOW (7469). Donations in his memory may be made to Friends of Frankie, c/o Outrigger Entertainment, 150 Kaiulani Ave., Honolulu 96815.