Gary Holcombe (Head of Undergraduate Studies in Theatre)

email: holcombeg@umkc.edu

campus phone: (816) 235-2544

Mr. Holcombe is well-known as both an accomplished actor and singer and a veteran of many Broadway musicals including Big River, South Pacific, 42nd Street, Golden Apple, and An Evening with Romberg among them. Gary starred as Oliver Warbucks in the nation tour of Annie, where he met his wife, actress Donna Thomason. Other national tours include principle roles in The Most Happy Fellow, 1776, and On the Twentieth Century. He has appeared on ABC’s One Life to Live and PBS’s Molders of Troy. He was featured in the film, Truman, for HBO and co-starred in the television movie, Puppy Love. A highly regarded baritone, Gary began his career with the Washington Opera, was soloist for Eric Butterworth for The Unity Church in New York City, and can be heard on the recording of Rose Marie for the Smithsonian. Gary has also been the guest soloist with symphonies from Baltimore to Los Angeles. Gary is the recipient of the Drama Desk Award, three Best of Kansas City Awards and The 2005 Pinnacle Award for Excellence in the Arts.