Joseph Fava

Joe fave

1940-2023

We are saddened to learn of the passing of a longtime member of our SLOC family, Joe Fava. Joe has been a part of Schenectady Light Opera Company since 1961, when he made his debut in The Mikado. He was part of the cast of The King and I, The Gypsy Baron, The Music Man, and many other shows.  Joe wore many hats at SLOC throughout the years, from creative parts of production to administration. Joe was an actor, director. He designed sets and created numerous costumes thru the years. The team of Joe Fava (Director) and his good friend Don Mealy (Musical Director), produced some of SLOC’s most memorable shows.

Examples:

  • Shenandoah April 1980  Proctors Theater  
  • Oliver! 1982 Proctors Theater
  • 50 Anniversary Concert 1976  State Street Opera HouseJoe Fava had boundless energy and his artistry and theatrical knowledge was enormous. A Bob Farquharson and Adrienne Sherman recall and reminisce about Joe Fava’s legacy and vision with SLOC. As Bob states:

“I had the pleasure and fun of creating sets for some of the SLOC shows Joe directed. He would have a general concept for a set design and we would work together for more definitive designs. We enjoyed working together on many shows. While we worked Joe would tell some of his experiences, both theater and family stories, as only he could tell

them! We had lots of laughs. Sometimes he had a complete set design in his mind for a production and I would just tell him he didn’t need a designer, he just a head builder to get it done.” The point that Bob brings out is Joe’s storytelling. “Both theater and family stories…We had lots of laughs.” To us in community theater, we are all part of one big family. Joe made theater fun!

Adrienne Sherman points out, that Joe’s influence and importance to SLOC is vast and visionary. As Adrienne states:

“Joe directed his first SLOC show in 1972 (Annie Get Your Gun). He continued directing through the next several decades, most recently our 2011 production of Ragtime. He also served as a costume designer, set designer, and on the administrative side of the company. Bob Farquharson, who worked with him on his set design & building team, remembers Joe’s stories, his incredible vision, and sharing lots of laughs. He met lifelong friend Don Mealy during his production of Annie Get Your Gun, who conducted most of his shows.

Perhaps his most lasting impact is felt each time a show opens at our Franklin Street campus. Joe was part of “The Fearsome Four”, along with friends Bob Farquharson, Bob Harrison and John Samultulski. Together, they dedicated much of their time to accomplish SLOC”s move to our current home. Joe was instrumental in helping us to receive the funding needed for this huge capital project.

His legacy will live on as he is remembered by all who knew and loved him, and as the work that he did keeps his memory alive for future generations of SLOC members.”

ACTING CREDITS:

  1. Pellinore  Camelot 2001   State Street Opera House
  2. Chorus/Travelling Salesman The Music Man Oct/Nov. 1962 Niskayuna HS
  3. Pali  The Gypsy Baron May 1962  Niskayuna HS
  4. Chorus  The King and I May 1961  Niskayuna HS
  5. Chorus  The Mikado May 1961   Niskayuna  HS
  6. Charlie Brown You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown   1976  State Street Opera House

DIRECTING CREDITS:

  • Annie Get Your Gun 1972   Niskayuna HS
  • 1776 April 1974   Niskayuna HS
  • Funny Girl April 1975   Niskayuna HS
  • 50 Years of Musical Theater/50 Years Anniversary Concert Jan. 1976 State Street Opera House
  • Carnival April 1977 Niskayuna HS
  • A Little Night Music April 1978   Niskayuna HS
  • Company 1978 State Street Opera House
  • Shenandoah April 1980 proctors Theater   First SLOC Production at Proctors
  • Grease 1981  Proctors Theater  Joe was also the Choreographer.
  • Candide March 1981 State Street Opera House
  • Pippin’ 1983 Proctors Theater
  • The Music Man(YP) GE Theater at Proctors  2007  SLOC”s first Youth Production
  • Assassins March 2009  State Street Opera House
  • 13(YP) 2010  GE Theater at Proctors
  • Ragtime 2011 This production celebrated the Grand Opening of the Franklin Street Opera House. Joe was also the show’s Set and Costume Designer.
    4 Seasons Dinner Theater  Camelot
  • Albany Civic Players  Follies
  • Palace Theater 1776
  • Schenectady Civic Players  Many productions at SCP
  • Co-Directed The Nutcracker for NE Ballet at Proctors
  • Studio 34’s Boys in the Band

COMPANY CREDITS:

  • VP Board Member
  • Casting Committee Member
  • Stage Manager
  • Fund Raising
  • Show Liaison

AWARD:

  • Thelma Zeh Gallery of Honor