Pamela Claire Kalt's Obituary
Pamela Kalt, beloved musician, teacher, and performer, passed away on December 10, 2024, just days shy of her 78th birthday. Born in Pelham, NY, on December 17, 1946, Pamela's passion for music began early and blossomed throughout her life.
A proud graduate of Pelham Memorial High School in 1964, Pamela went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Applied Music from SUNY Fredonia, where she studied under the esteemed Claudette Sorel. This classical training set the stage for a vibrant career in the performing arts.
Pamela made her television debut on the iconic Ed Sullivan Show as one of the Ed Sullivan Singers during the show's final two seasons. Her talent soon found her performing at Radio City Music Hall as part of the New Voices of ’74. This experience opened the door to a successful theater career that saw her take on numerous roles in summer stock, regional productions, and Broadway. Pamela performed in Oh, Coward at Cohoes Music Hall and The Drunkard at Coconut Grove Playhouse in Florida.
Her journey on Broadway began with the 1977 revival of The King and I, where she provided both chorus and understudy performances for Tuptim & Constance Towers. Later she took on the role of Anna Leonowens. She continued to shine in leading roles, including Magnolia in Showboat alongside Forest Tucker and Butterfly McQueen, Hodel in Fiddler on The Roof with Theodore Bikel, and Irene Malloy in Hello, Dolly on the national tour with Patrick Quinn and the legendary Carol Channing. Notably, her talent was so cherished that Carol Channing insisted on her return to Hello, Dolly after she was slated to perform in Madame Butterfly at Cincinnati Opera. Pam always said her time in Hello Dolly with Carol Channing was the most memorable and beloved moments in her life.
An inspiring teacher, Pamela dedicated herself to sharing her love of music with countless students through private piano lessons, maintaining a legacy of artistry and passion for the craft.
Pamela is survived by her brother, Jeff Troncone and his daughter Scarlett Troncone; and cousins, Allison Kenton and Richard Mele. She will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all who were touched by her music and vibrant spirit.
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