Today we are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend, the supremely talented and thoroughly delightful Chris Peluso. Chris appeared on Broadway in MAMMA MIA!, ASSASSINS, LESTAT, THE GLORIOUS ONES, and BEAUTIFUL, played Fyero on tour in WICKED, and starred in London in MISS SAIGON and SHOW BOAT. Wichita friends will remember his roles in RAGTIME (Younger Brother), THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (Jimmy), MISS SAIGON (Chris), SUNSET BLVD. (Joe Gillis), LES MISERABLES (Marius), GOOD NEWS! (Tom Marlowe), DAMN YANKEES (Joe Hardy), ALL SHOOK UP (Chad), CHICAGO (Fred Caseley), THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL (Armand), and many others. He had recently been living in New Zealand to be near his young daughter and son. For over a decade he had fought valiantly against a diagnosis of schizophrenia, which somehow lived alongside his charm, wit, intelligence, and kindness, but ultimately proved too strong to overcome. We are so grateful that in his four decades on earth he was able to spread so much joy, and to create such wonderful memories for us. Our hearts go out to his family. Mental illness is a cruel and deceptive disease, which needs our deepest sympathy, as well as continued research and support.
UPDATE: There is now a Facebook page established to honor Chris. Look for "Remembering Chris Peluso." https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?attachment_id=814003800261542&message_id=mid.%24cAAAAAHB-K2SQMbxGHWKAHb-ltxNO&thread_id=1514984530
