In memoriam

Beginning in the 70s and into the 90s, Thomas was the go-to choreographer for musical theater in Lansing. He choreographed and performed in numerous shows for the Okemos Barn Theatre (which eventually became Riverwalk Theatre) and the now defunct Lansing Civic Players. He also taught dance at Lansing Community College.

“D. was a fantastic choreographer,” said Jane Falion, who has directed productions for the Okemos Barn Theatre and Riverwalk Theatre. “He choreographed many of my shows.”

Thomas is remembered by his friends for his friendliness and outgoing personality.

“He was very free spirited, and he threw great parties,” said Falion. “He was so much fun to be around.”

No service is planned, but a digital memorial has sprung up on Riverwalk Theatre’s Facebook page, where Falion has shared photos of Thomas and invited the community to share their memories.

“I never thought of myself as a dancer,” Tim Lewis commented. “But when he choreographed my dance number in ´Barnum,´ he worked and worked with me until we got it right. His patience, understanding and his never-ending enthusiasm and energy will forever be etched in my mind.”

Thomas’ patience and skill working with untrained dancers comes up again and again in stories from those who had worked with him.

“He took people who didn’t have a strong background in dance and made them look good on stage,” said Falion. “He turned ugly ducklings into swans.”