"I went to Dartmouth and spent a lot of time with David and his roommate there, Otis. David had an angelic voice, great comic timing, a wicked sense of humor, humility, and he was gorgeous. I was 2 years ahead of him. I visited him in the Greenwich, CT area to see him star as Tony in a community production of “West Side Story.” Years later, I saw him at my 25th college reunion—he looked unwell and it was bittersweet. My Mom and I saw him on Broadway in “Chess”—his rendition of “Anthem” still brings tears to my eyes. I miss him."
- Steve Glicken (bleepbloopblip on theaidsmemorial Instagram, 07/30/2018)
- Steve Glicken (bleepbloopblip on theaidsmemorial Instagram, 07/30/2018)
"I did a workshop of a musical called LEGS about Betty Grable with David in 1988. He was the sweetest and kindest man to work with. I was always so gobsmacked in his presence but I wanted to tell him how much I admired him. He was wonderful......"
- Joe Wyatt (joeromanlars on theaidsmemorial Instagram, 07/30/2018)
- Joe Wyatt (joeromanlars on theaidsmemorial Instagram, 07/30/2018)
"I met David Carroll the summer after Grand Hotel, at the O'Neill Center. He was intrigued by a musical I was involved with, and we took a walk together by the Thames River one early evening, as the fabled O'Neillian fog was rolling in.
Having heard the tape only once, David proceeded to sing the score with astonishing accuracy, his glorious high notes soaring in ways we had not even imagined. I was simultaneously smitten and filled with hope: The musical would somehow make it to Broadway--and David Carroll would play the lead!
Two years later, the musical was abandoned and David was dead. When I heard he had died, I wept for him and the musical and so many other talented people gone, and for every wonderful thing that would never, ever happen."
- PalJoey (Broadwayworld.com message board, 11/12/2013)
Having heard the tape only once, David proceeded to sing the score with astonishing accuracy, his glorious high notes soaring in ways we had not even imagined. I was simultaneously smitten and filled with hope: The musical would somehow make it to Broadway--and David Carroll would play the lead!
Two years later, the musical was abandoned and David was dead. When I heard he had died, I wept for him and the musical and so many other talented people gone, and for every wonderful thing that would never, ever happen."
- PalJoey (Broadwayworld.com message board, 11/12/2013)
"He was all those things and more. A beautiful spirit with a kind heart and soul. He would have been 60 on July 30th. We were not close friends, but we did have an after theatre dinner together at Joe Allen's once. I recently found (while cleaning the garage) one letter and a card from him (1990). What an amazing, encouraging and supportive man. I am so happy that people still remember him, and that a new generation is appreciating what a gifted artist he was.
Not only that gorgeous voice, but so musical and sensitive! I made a joke that all the women and gay men in the audience wanted to be Liliane Montevecchi at the end of "Love Can't Happen" just to be underneath him. He was taking a sip of his drink at the time; it spayed all over the table because he laughed so hard he almost choked. Great man, great artist, and a great sense of humor. He is missed on every level. I will never understand it."
- Operagod01 (Broadwayworld.com message board, 7/27/2010)
Not only that gorgeous voice, but so musical and sensitive! I made a joke that all the women and gay men in the audience wanted to be Liliane Montevecchi at the end of "Love Can't Happen" just to be underneath him. He was taking a sip of his drink at the time; it spayed all over the table because he laughed so hard he almost choked. Great man, great artist, and a great sense of humor. He is missed on every level. I will never understand it."
- Operagod01 (Broadwayworld.com message board, 7/27/2010)
This page is very much a work in progress.
If you have your own memories of Mr. Carroll and wouldn't mind sharing them, please do not hesitate to send us a message. We are always looking to expand this page with your contributions!