Luckily for University of California Irvine Chancellor Michel V. Drake, Donald McKayle has a sense of humor.
Drake introduced McKayle on Thursday night at a gala reception and concert to honor the career of the legendary 81-year-old choreographer for Broadway, TV and film, who has taught at UCI since 1986. The mixed-rep show following the speeches featured the work of McKayle and others and drew dancers from renowned companies all over the country.
“A year and a half … ago, we were able to devote the first star on our Walk of Fame to Claire Trevor,” Drake said in his remarks to a 500-plus crowd in the lobby of the Irvine Barclay Theatre. “And Donald, I’m just so pleased that you didn’t die before we got to make you the second.”
The crowd, including McKayle’s pals Debbie Allen and Della Reese, broke up. So did McKayle and arts dean Joseph Lewis III, both sitting next to Drake.
The ceremony included the unveiling of McKayle’s star, which will be installed in the courtyard of UCI’s new Contemporary Arts Center.
“I was in Donald’s class at the American Dance Festival in 1978,” Allen recalled. “I was a college student at Howard University at the time. He was pretty amazing: nurturing, loving. He pushed you but he always made you feel like you could do it.”
McKayle’s many Broadway credits include “Raisin” (in which Allen performed) and “Sophisticated Ladies.” He also choreographed for film: “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” (1970), “The Great White Hope” (1972) and “The Minstrel Man” (1976). On TV his work appeared on Bill Cosby’s and Ed Sullivan’s shows.
Take a look at Thursday’s event and some shots of McKayle and his work through the years.
Contact the writer: 714-796-7979 or phodgins@ocregister.com
