Flights of Angels

BY ETHAN KRASNOO, TUFTS STUDENT, 1993-1997, LAW SCHOOL STUDENT, WASHINGTON D.C.
Aside from bestowing on me (and introducing me to) my favorite “role of a lifetime” (embodied in a three page play), Tony garnered me my first paid performing gig (I got to dress in a kimono and move set pieces around in a production of The Mikado). I’ve never known a teacher to devote so much personalized attention to those he worked with.

It was always a joy to watch Tony’s mind in action, a machine gifted with the ability to draw from his students their hidden talents. However, my favorite memories of Tony do not involve the work, but the discussion. I had the pleasure of keeping in touch with Tony throughout the years and always relished the opportunity to catch up over lunch or tea upon his visits to New York City.

My least favorite memory involving Tony was his disfavor with me when I missed my entrance cue during a dress rehearsal of Hamlet. It was not his disappointment that upset me, but the fact that I had disappointed him. Tony was the utmost professional and I hated that I had earned his disfavor in such a manner. I left Tony a note apologizing, and he later thanked me but told me that the apology was unnecessary.

Tony and his gifts will be greatly missed. May “flights of angels sing thee to they rest!”