The Death Of A Musical Theater Legend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            How much sadness can Theater Queens stand, girls???????  First, we were rocked last week by the death of the iconic Patty Duke--and yes, she WAS a gay icon!!!!!!!!!--and now I find out that Broadway's youngest TONY winner--still!!!!!!--Frankie Michaels, who originated the role of Young Patrick Dennis back in 1966, in "MAME," with Angela Lansbury, Beatrice Arthur, and Jane Connell, has passed away on March 30. 2016, at home in Chittenago, New York. He was only 60!!!!!!!!!

                            No obits have given the cause of death, which makes me wonder, but, considering how Mr. Michaels looked as  an adult, there are several conjectures to be made.  What is fact is he had a stunning childhood career--one I envied--beginning with appearing on "As The World Turns," culminating with "MAME," and that TONY Award, and stints in Las Vegas and Palisades Amusement Park.  I remember a "That Girl" episode showing a Las Vegas marquee, and the name Frankie Michaels was on it.  I am probably the only one who knew who that was, at the time.

                              And maybe now. Because, while Frankie performed all his life, he to eke out a living besides having married and had children---a son, Michael Lloyd Chernesky, who survives him.  His sister, Felicia Herschak, also survives him.

                                What is it with these young performers?  First Patty Duke, who set the record for being the Youngest Oscar Winner, goes, and now the Youngest TONY Winner!  Who is the Youngest Emmy Winner?  I would watch out!

                                  Here is the adult Frankie, in the middle, with Jerry Lanning to his right, singing "My Best Girl," 1n 2010 at a Drama League Gala for Angela Lansbury.  I think it was the first time she and he were reunited!!!!!!!!!!!!  As you can see, he looks like something from "The Sopranos."

                                     But Frankie will not be forgotten, and neither will that perfect Broadway child voice.  Broadway should dim its lights in his honor. But will it remember?

                                        The Raving Queen Does!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         You can hear Frankie clearly and distinctly in "We Need A Little Christmas!"

                                          Rest In Peace, Frankie!