Theater News

Frederic B. Vogel, Producer and CTI Founder, Dies

New York City
Frederic B. Vogel died on Tuesday, November 29 at his home in New York due to complications from lung cancer, his age unknown. Vogel began his career as an actor, appearing in a 1951 Broadway production of Romeo and Juliet and, two years later, in a play titled Take a Giant Step. He later served as assistant conductor of the musical Coco (1969). In ensuing years, he was a producer/investor in dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, including Marlene, Enchanted April, and Shakespeare’s R&J.

In 1970, Vogel established the Foundation for the Extension and Development of the American Professional Theatre (FEDAPT). In 1982, he founded the Commercial Theatre Institute, devoted to training people with a desire to produce shows on and Off-Broadway and for tours. Vogel was also a co-founder of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. A book that he completed before his death, Producing for the Commercial Theatre, is scheduled for publication in 2006.

Apparently, Vogel’s age was a closely guarded secret; the Internet Broadway Database lists no date of birth for him, and that information was included in none of the notices of his death. Tom Viola, executive director of BC/EFA, told TheaterMania that “Fred would tell no one his age. He was much older than we thought, but he looked great.”

According to a statement issued by Viola, “Fred joined BC/EFA as a judge at the very first Gypsy of the Year competition on November 28, 1989 at the St. James Theatre. He has been in the audience of 15 events since. Fred’s presence at this year’s 17th annual Gypsy of the Year competition on December 5 and 6 will be greatly missed, but his great love of Broadway and the American theatre and his enthusiastic, kind spirit will fill the house at the Neil Simon and many other BC/EFA events for years to come.”

Vogel is survived by his sister, Naomi V. Zitin of Philadelphia, and by a niece and two nephews. As per his request, there will be no funeral, but a memorial service for him will be held sometime in January. Contributions in his name can be made to BC/EFA.