Another Broadway Suicide, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     "How many deaths, will it take, till we know,
                                                         That too many people have died?"
                                                      --Peter, Paul And Mary, "Blowin' In The
                                                         Wind"


                                             Back in 2012, a 39-year-old actor named Stephen Brockway, took his life, because he felt he hadn't made it in the business fast enough, or was doing so, even though he had some impressive credentials.  Last year, there was the tragedy of "Chicago" understudy Jeff Leoffenholz, who was bullied out of his job by the show's director and musical director, who eventually was ousted from her post, and is now deservedly picking spuds out of ash cans.

                                               On March 3 of this year, in the hours of 5:50 AM, a park worker, just beginning his duties found talented actor Harlan Bengel, hanging of from the arch of the Winterdale Arch bridge, near Central Park West, and West 82nd Street.

                                                 He was 45, and had credential.  He was currently appearing as an ensemble dancer in "The Phantom Of The Opera," as steady a gig as one could hope.  He appeared in the Broadway production of "War Horse," at Lincoln Center, and in a national tour of "My Fair Lady."  He was also an accomplished dancer, having danced with the San Francisco Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, and the Tulsa Ballet.

                                                  Bengel meant business.  A rope around his neck, and a plastic bag over his head.  What was thought to be a suicide note, was a note asking when he was found to call someone at a certain number.  That person has not been identified.

                                                  He grew up in Las Vegas, the youngest of four.  Show business was in his blood from an early age.  So was mental illness.  Only Bengel or those close to him, know what these issues might have been.

                                                     And don't play the gay card,  Bengel was straight, apparently having been married to an actress, Jennifer Piacenti, in 2004, but the marriage ended in divorce.

                                                      Darlings, we can't have talented actors keep dying this way.  I know they can only help themselves, but I encourage anyone feeling the feelings these three may have felt to talk to someone--a friend in the business, a mentor, a teacher--rather than end your life.

                                                        Your place in show business may not be what you dreamed of.  Hell, I found that out, and I am fine about it.

                                                           Yet I have not given up on that Broadway revival of "Funny Girl!"

                                                             Rest In Peace, Harlan!  May you find it beyond, as you did not here!