Salt Lake theatergoers probably remember Dave Jensen best for such roles as feisty, foul-mouthed Pap Finn in Pioneer Theatre Company's 1990 production of "Big River," or as stuffy Prof. Henry Higgins in the Grand Theatre's 1995 mounting of "My Fair Lady," or his dramatic portrayal of beleaguered Professor John, seeing his tenured career turned into a shambles by a "politically correct" coed, in Salt Lake Acting Company's 1994 production of "Oleanna."
Most recently, Jensen was seen as Dr. Lyman Hall in PTC's 1998-99 season opener, "1776."The 50-year-old actor, who had also performed in dozens of film and TV roles, died on Nov. 29. His obituary noted that "he will always be remembered for his beautiful voice and his true passion for acting."
Patrons of the Grand, Pioneer Memorial and SLAC theaters -- and other theaters in the region -- already knew that, of course.
His most demanding role in recent years was, arguably, Professor John in "Oleanna," which pits one actor and one actress against each other in an escalating battle over alleged sexual harrassment. It is not an "ensemble" piece. Rather, it's the kind of drama that requires an actor to be in the center of the spotlight during the entire length of the play, and Jensen did a remarkable job in SLAC's regional premiere four years ago.
Utahns may also have caught him in such TV shows as "Touched by an Angel," its spinoff "Promised Land," "Profiler" and "Walker, Texas Ranger," as well as a memorable turn as the father in the popular LDS Church film, "The Easter Dream."
Other film/TV roles on Jensen's resume included "A More Perfect Union," "Nora's Christmas Gift," "A Home of Our Own," "A Midnight Clear" and "Species."
Editor's note: A special trust fund has been established at the Sandy Branch of Zions Banks for Jensen's 18-month son, Ryker.
WHEN IT WAS announced a couple of weeks ago that Michael Don Bahr, a teacher at Bear River High School, had been hired as the new education director at the Utah Shakespearean Festival, my first thought was "Where are Gary and Wendy Armagnac?"
Well, Gary Armagnac, who had major roles in several USF productions and had also nurtured USF's wide-ranging education and outreach programs, is new "artistic associate" at the 57-year-old Sacramento Theatre Company, where he recently directed a critically acclaimed production of "Pericles." (He played the title role in USF's 1997 production, but did not perform in Sacramento.)
Artistic director at STC is Peggy Shannon, who directed last season's USF production of "The Taming of the Shrew," in which Armagnac played Baptista.
Gary's wife, Wendy, was media relations director for the Utah festival for some time (at that time she went by her maiden name, Bowers). Wendy Armagnac is now involved with the administrative side of STC, where she is managing director.
The changes in Sacramento have another USF connection as well. Shannon, who had been artistic director at the Riverside (Calif.) Repertory Theatre, replaced Stephen Rothman, who directed the Utah festival's 1997 comedy hit, "Charley's Aunt." Rothman is now at the Pennsylvania Center Stage.
The Sacramento theater complex houses two venues, the 300-seat McClatchy Mainstage and the 90-seat Intimate Stage.