"For the first 14 years of community musicals, from 1966 through 1982, Larry Weiss was at the piano—and at the musical heart—of the season.

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Larry arrived in Winston-Salem from the Midwest in 1962 with his wife and three young sons -- Jim Tom, and Glenn. He began his career as an eye surgeon while also pursuing a lifelong passion for music as organist and choral director at First Presbyterian Church.

 

Four years later, beginning with Guys and Dolls, he devoted three months every winter and spring to the voices, energy, and theatrical spirit of Winston-Salem’s actors and dancers.

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The season began with auditions featuring singers frequently recruited by Larry. At his home in Sherwood Forest, he began preparing scores at the living-room piano, with enthusiastic vocal assistance from his sons. Soon, the show leads would arrive for evening rehearsals—before becoming stars onstage.

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Working first with Doris Pardington and later with guest directors, Larry assembled and led ensembles that grew from a piano, bass, and drums trio to include brass and woodwinds recruited from the School of the Arts.

 

He was a master accompanist: alert, responsive, and always attentive to the singers’ lead.

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Like his playing at the church organ, Larry knew when to let the music soar—whether in “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from Guys and Dolls—and when to draw back for the intimacy of “If I Loved You” from Carousel. He supported beloved performers such as John Smith as Fagin in Oliver! and Beverly Brown Culbreath as Dolly.

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From The Boy Friend and Oklahoma! to Fiddler on the Roof, Show Boat, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Gypsy, Camelot, The Music Man, and No, No, Nanette, Larry Weiss gave these productions their pulse, color, and unforgettable sound."

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    -- Glenn Weiss