I’ve always been in awe of those with the talent and drive to follow their dreams. When I was in college, several of my friends were pursuing academic courses in theater. One of my best friends, Gareth Saxe, along with a handful of others in the program, seemed to possess the skill, passion, drive and talent to make something of it. Watching this group of people work within the college’s drama program was like getting to watch an athlete destined for greatness before their “prime time.” The level of sophistication and display of craft was far superior than the typical college drama production. It was a special time.
Several of them went on to pursue acting and graduate theater studies in New York. I’ll get word every now and then: Andrew is touring with The Laramie Project and filming a pilot with HBO; Thaddeus just staged a successful and much-lauded one man show and on and on. Meanwhile, my friend Gareth has been acting in theater productions consistently since he moved to New York in 1994 or so while simultaneously completing his Master’s Degree. Never one to toot his own horn, I’ve been keeping tabs on his progress through Google Alerts. And while on the phone, Gareth said “I have a new job in a small production,” the press has something to say, too.
What Gareth didn’t say is that he is acting in a play, written by J.M. Barrie, alongside legendary actress Frances Sternhagen. If you’re in New York, be sure to head over to the Mint Theater and check it out!
NY Daily News —“Saxe is a nimble, resourceful partner…”
New York Times
- “The young man, played with savvy by Gareth Saxe…”
The Village Voice - “especially able seconding from Gareth Saxe”
Newsday —”...Played with endearing hunkiness by Gareth Saxe…”
NJ.com —“A two-time Tony Award winner who originated the title part in “Driving Miss Daisy” among other roles, Sternhagen wisely depicts Mrs. Dowey without a trace of sentimentality, giving her darlin’ character a bit of a twinkle that makes the play’s eventual pathos all the more effective. She is beautifully matched with Saxe, whose rough, truculent manner conceals inner neediness. ”
New York Post —“a resounding success.”
Gareth is a man of immense talent and a relentless work ethic who has honed his craft and elevated his art over the course of decades. In addition to being a great friend, he is a remarkable and rare example of somebody who has maintained purity in his pursuit of his dreams. I’m immensely proud of him and wish him continued success, because I know that what makes him much happier than all of these accolades he’s received for his work is the fact that he is afforded the opportunity to grow and learn as an actor.
12 responses so far ↓
1 Elliott // Aug 2, 2004 at 1:36 pm
Hear, hear!
Congratulations to Gareth Saxe.
2 Anonymous // Aug 2, 2004 at 6:10 pm
I second that emotion.
3 effinhuge // Aug 13, 2004 at 9:17 am
Thank you for posting this. He deserves every accolade.
4 Ben // Dec 27, 2004 at 4:49 pm
Thank you for this, I fully agree with your description of Garreth’s character.
5 Grey // Jan 29, 2006 at 5:45 pm
I just met Gareth last night in San Francisco.
-What a Prince! Is he single
6 Jennie // Mar 7, 2006 at 11:26 pm
Just Googled Gareth. Wow!! Not surprised though. He is talented. Hope to run in to him in NYC in March 2006. We will be there to see Leigh Silverman’s broadway directorial debut of Well.
7 Cesare Cabrini // May 8, 2006 at 9:02 am
I have not seen the play since I live in Italy and it is quite difficult to come to NY just for a play.. but I would have loved to…
I’m an old friend (high school time) of Gareth and I would love to have a chance to get in contact with him again. The last time I saw him, was here in Italy.. a long time ago.
His talent was there also many years ago and I’m very glad of what I read in this page today.
Anyway, I have been searching of news about him several times.. and I hope that this time he reads my message and writ back to me.. If he still remember.. But I’m sure he has not forget.
8 Erica Linz // Sep 25, 2006 at 6:43 am
My commenting here is very random. I did Loves Labours Lost with Gareth in Colorado Springs in ‘94. I was 11 years old at the time. He was a sweet, big brother type throughout rehearsals and performances. (I was the only child in the production) I had forgotten about him completely until I was visiting my parents last month and came across a program from that show. Vaguely remembering his kind demeanor I googled him out of curiosity. What a pleasent surprise to see him so successful! Its been 12 years, but I thought he might find it entertaining that I ended up as a character/acrobat for Cirque du Soleil. shrugs I’m glad hes doing so well.
9 Jim Malcolm // Dec 26, 2006 at 7:21 pm
Who wrote this lovely tribute to the gifted Gareth. Jim Malcolm
10 scotty // Dec 26, 2006 at 7:39 pm
It was I, Scott Partee, who wrote it.
11 Frank Anthony Polito // Sep 13, 2007 at 10:37 am
Just read about Gareth’s upcoming Broadway debut in Pinter’s THE HOMECOMING… So proud!
I had the pleasure of studying in an acting class at Michael Howard Studios in NYC with Gareth from 1995-97 (and knocking back many a pint afterwards.)
Sadly, we lost touch he went off to grad school at NYU… Would love to reconnect if you can put me in touch with him.
12 Andrea Ligammari // Sep 18, 2007 at 12:10 am
Please send my best wishes to Gareth! If only I was better at keeping in touch…I spent time in Boulder working with Gareth. You have caught his spirit in such a pure light! A friend to many, kindred spirit to few. Recently relocating to Oregon exposed many boxes of nostalgia from my past, along with many memories of times gone by..leading me to some wine and google!! Best wishes and perhaps while I am touring the world..retired mother that I am…I shall run across him again. One can only hope fate will allow…
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