I had the pleasure of directing David several times and the immense pleasure of acting across from him in a production of CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS by Sam Shepard. He was absolutely fearless as an actor. You might even say dangerous in his outrageous and beautiful choices. A true study in acting by just being in his presence.
One of the most touching memories I have of David was his portrayal of the Stage Manager in a production of OUR TOWN. The play really crawled under his skin. There were times in rehearsal that he got choked up and had to just stop. Tears streaming down his face as he lived fully inside his character. This self proclaimed gruff man shared his immense humanity with us in this process. Needless to say, his performance was a tour de force.
In later years after I graduated, David and I became very close to one another. He remained my mentor and morphed into one of the best friends I have ever had in my lifetime. He supported me without reservation and encouraged me in many aspects of my life. One day he said, I love you to me. And he did. Unconditionally. I shall never forget the first time I heard those words.
He is still with me everyday and on every project. “