As I sadly share this news, I, a gamer, found myself compelled to pass along the bittersweet update that Jesse L. Kearney Jr., a playwright, attorney, and dedicated arts advocate, left us on March 6th. His departure took place at a hospital in Newark, New Jersey, following an emergency brain surgery he underwent two months prior. This heartbreaking information comes directly from his beloved wife, Jacquelyn Bell Kearney. At the tender age of 49, Jesse’s spirit and contributions to the arts will forever be etched in our memories.
Kearney, who received the Jonathan Larson Musical Theater Fellowship from the Dramatist Guild and the Lazarus Family Musical Theater Award, collaborated on the creation of Making Micheaux (2021), a short film musical about pioneering Black filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. This production was part of Prospect Theater Company’s VISION Series.
Or in shorter form:
Kearney, a fellowship and award-winning composer, co-wrote the short film musical Making Micheaux (2021) about Black film pioneer Oscar Micheaux, produced by Prospect Theater Company’s VISION Series.
Additionally, he collaborated as both a co-author and co-lyricist for the full-length jazz musical titled “The Oscar Micheaux Project” (working title). This work was commissioned by Prospect Musicals and refined at Goodspeed Musicals’ Johnny Mercer Writers Grove. The musical was chosen for the 2023 NAMT Festival of New Musicals, as well as the 2024 Village Theatre Festival of New Musicals. It also received the first-ever Michael Friedman Award from the Pipeline Arts Foundation.
Kearney composed numerous one-act plays, and his musical “The Little Playhouse” was rehearsed at Lincoln Center Theater Director’s Lab/American Living Room Series. Additionally, he penned both the script and lyrics for “The Lion in Love,” and wrote the libretto for “The Blind Man,” which is based on a tale by D.H. Lawrence.
In his role as Content Acquisition and Development Manager at Audible Inc., Kearney advocated for a variety of perspectives in audiobook storytelling. Additionally, he co-founded The STAGE Network, an innovative streaming service specializing in theatrical content, and served as Vice President of Black Broadway Men United.
Kearney was “regularly committed to the goal of honoring, teaching, and encouraging Black men within the Broadway and theater world,” as stated by Anthony Wayne, president of Black Broadway Men United. His dedication to this cause has sparked significant achievements and created a path for future mentees to follow.
He obtained his qualifications from Dartmouth College, the Musical Theater Writing Program at NYU, and New York Law School.
On January 8th, Kearney experienced a Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation. His loved ones have set up a GoFundMe page to assist with the financial burdens during this challenging time.
Beyond his wife and co-founder of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, he also leaves behind his daughters Loretta and Cecilia, as well as his mother Shirley. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, located at 225 W. 99th St., Manhattan.
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Alongside his wife and co-founder of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, he is survived by his daughters Loretta and Cecilia, as well as his mother Shirley. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, which can be found at 225 W. 99th St., Manhattan.
or
In addition to his wife and co-founder of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, he leaves behind his daughters Loretta and Cecilia, as well as his mother Shirley. A memorial service is taking place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, situated at 225 W. 99th St., Manhattan.
or
Besides his wife and co-founder of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, he leaves behind his daughters Loretta and Cecilia, as well as his mother Shirley. A memorial service is set for 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, found at 225 W. 99th St., Manhattan.
or
Alongside his wife and co-founder of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, he leaves behind his daughters Loretta and Cecilia, as well as his mother Shirley. A memorial service is being held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, located at 225 W. 99th St., Manhattan.
In times like this, I find myself reflecting on just how radiant a single spirit can be, illuminating countless lives. Jesse’s glow only seems to intensify with each passing day.
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2025-03-14 20:24