Fred Stoller Tessler

Fred Stoller Tessler was born November 8, 1961, in Denver and died March 8 in Colorado Springs. A friend wrote, “Life was ‘a banquet’ (a cabaret too!) for our friend Fred. Passionate, witty, razor-sharp, and flamboyant, Fred brought something just a little more elegant to every rehearsal, opening night, daytrip, dinner or cocktail party. I feel certain that echoes of his laughter still reverberate in any number of theaters, rehearsal studios, and restaurants.”

Musical theater was Fred’s great love, along with his many friends to whom he was fiercely loyal and generous. A sparkling master of ceremonies, Fred played piano and ran trivia contests at Icons and other venues in Colorado Springs. He shared his considerable talents teaching theater and voice and directing numerous productions at the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Wagner College in Staten Island, NY, and other programs. He worked on 24 years of shows at Hope Summer Repertory Theatre in Holland, MI, and wrote, directed, and performed in wildly popular cabarets. Fred music directed productions across the country and was an Artist in Residence at Stratford Festival of Canada. He worked with the Colo. Springs Philharmonic and Colo. Springs Chamber Orchestra. Fred graduated from Macalester College in 1984 with degrees in French and Theatre. Surviving family includes legions of friends, colleagues, and former students; aunt Virginia Wehe, and cousins Anne Branson, Brigid Ehrmantraut, Helen Johnson, Moana Kutsche, Alan Wehe, and David Wehe.