06/23/2023
Dear friends of CentreStage Theatre-Memphis, we have received word of the passing of our founder and director, Clay Marler Stone. This is the post from his son, Matthew, announcing his death.
Hi, Friends. We lost my dad tonight. Many of you were involved in theater with him, were his colleagues at Youth Villages or just knew him personally. Dad passed away peacefully this evening with Kristen, Gabe, Shea and me at his side.
Here are some thoughts about my dad I'd like for you to know:
I couldn’t say for sure, but the story in my family is that when my sister was 7 years old, and I was 4, we sat enthralled through 11 performances of the musical Camelot at Theatre Memphis, watching my dad play King Arthur. This must be why, in my mind’s eye, when I picture my dad, this is the image that burns brightest. Dad could be both as majestic and, at times, as unkingly as Arthur. He was incredibly serious about some things, like politics, but he could also be as childlike and naïve about the world as young Wart.
Dad was the most joyful, optimistic person I will ever know- there was no glass that he could not fill at least halfway. He had a fervent belief in the overall good of humanity…which I will carry forward.
No matter who you are, if you spent more than 90 seconds with my dad, you’d already have been peppered with questions about your life. He was so inquisitive, interested in YOU… who you are, what you’re about. I saw this many times; it always made people feel good to have someone be genuinely interested in their lives. And he was.
Many of you know my dad‘s greatest passion in life was theater. The only things he loved more than theater were my sister and me, and his three grandkids, Zoie, Gabe and Shea. (A week did not go by that he didn’t declare what incredible grandkids he had.) Dad was a wonderful actor, singer, and, later, director. Because of him, I grew up in the thriving theater world of Memphis, among that wonderful community of people. I’ve written music and done sound design for a number of directors, but I collaborated with my dad more than anyone by far. How could I say no?! Even after I moved to New England, we found ways to work on plays together.
The happiest days of Dad’s career (the work he did to afford his theater habit!) were spent at Youth Villages. He adored the mission of Youth Villages, and the family of people that drive that mission forward. And Dad could not have been prouder of the career I’ve built at Youth Villages, as well.
My dad was and will forever be my biggest fan. He was the greatest champion I’ll ever know.
Enjoy finally being in that big theater in the sky, Dad! We love you and miss you already.
“Arthur, who was that?”
“One of what we all are, Pelly. Less than a drop in the great blue motion of the sunlit sea. But it seems that some of the drops sparkle, Pelly. Some of them do sparkle!”
