"An Erie Theatre Legend" The Erie theatre community mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, Ben Agresti, who died unexpectedly on May 27th at his home in Brownsville, Texas. Born on March 14, 1950, the son of Dr. Ben and Karyneal Terry Agresti, Ben became a vital force in the local arts scene thanks to his many high-profile theatrical endeavors. A 1968 graduate of Strong Vincent, his performing career began with early appearances at the Gannon Theatre and, while still in high school, he created Team Theatre Productions, a group which performed at the then Tech-Memorial Auditorium and which was the forerunner of the still-in-existence Erie School District summer theatre program. Following graduation, his pursuit of theatre took him to West Virginia University in Morgantown, where he earned a bachelor's degree in theatre and performing arts. He returned to Erie in the early 1970's and became owner and director of the much-beloved Village Dinner Theatre, the first company of its kind in the area. It was a tribute to his artistic vision that the Village ultimately became a training ground for many up-and-coming local theatre talents, many of whom later went on to pursue careers in the performing arts. It was also at the Village where Ben first created what most consider the definitive role of his career--Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. He was preceded in death by both his parents, a sister, Barbara Rickloff and a brother-in-law, Andy Trocki. Survivors include a sister Lynette Trocki, of McHenry, Ill; nephews Paul Rickloff, Todd Trocki and wife Kathryn, of McHenry, Ill., and Terry Trocki and wife Shannon, of Crystal Lake, Ill. and grand-nephews, Andrew, Joseph, Matthew and Bayden and grand-niece, Auden. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. On Saturday June 25th at 1:30 p.m. there will be a "Celebration of Life" event at the Erie Playhouse. Everyone is welcomed to come and share in the Celebration of Ben's life. If anyone would like to submit a short memory of Ben to be printed in a celebratory handout for the day of the event please E-Mail it to Charles Corritore at the Erie Playhouse. (charlie@erieplayhouse.org) Arrangements undertaken by Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th St. Condolences at www.bruggerfuneral
homes.com. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Youtheatre at the Erie Playhouse.
