A talented actress and singer who appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including the original cast of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and had a distinctive contralto voice.
Ruth Kobart was a renowned American performer whose six-decade career spanned opera, Broadway musical theatre, regional theatre, films, and television. She was particularly known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, which earned her numerous roles in iconic productions.
Born Ruth Maxine Kahn on April 24, 1924, in Des Moines, Iowa, Kobart studied opera at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. She made her professional debut as the Witch in an off-Broadway production of Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel und Gretel.
Kobart frequently toured with the NBC Opera Theatre (NBCOT) and the New York City Opera (NYCO). With the NBCOT, she notably created the role of Agata in the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's at the Expo 58 in Brussels on August 20, 1958. She later portrayed the role on Broadway.
For the NBC, she also created the role of Arina in the premiere of Bohuslav Martinů's The Marriage. She played Madame Pace in the world premiere of Hugo Weisgall's Six Characters in Search of an Author at the NYCO in 1959.
Kobart made her Broadway debut in the chorus of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Pipe Dream in 1955. She understudied leading lady Helen Traubel and played her role forty-two times during the show's run.
Additional Broadway credits included How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, A Flea in Her Ear, and Three Sisters. She was nominated for the 1963 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Forum.
Kobart's association with San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater (ACT) began with its first season in 1967 and lasted through 1994. Her appearances with them included The House of Bernarda Alba, Sunday in the Park with George, Arsenic and Old Lace, A Little Night Music, and Home.
Ruth Kobart's remarkable career left an indelible mark on the world of opera and Broadway. Her versatility, talent, and dedication to her craft continue to inspire generations of performers and audiences alike.
Born in 1908
A legendary Broadway star and powerful vocalist, known for belting out iconic show tunes and starring in classic movie musicals.
Born in 1888
A legendary composer and pianist who wrote over 1,500 songs, including iconic American standards like "God Bless America" and "White Christmas", shaping the Great American Songbook.
Born in 1891
A legendary composer and songwriter behind timeless Broadway shows and Hollywood musicals, crafting witty, sophisticated, and romantic songs that have become jazz standards.
Born in 1898
A renowned pianist and composer who blended jazz and classical music to create iconic works like "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris", leaving a lasting impact on American music.
Born in 1896
Prolific lyricist behind iconic American standards, crafting witty, poetic words for brother George's melodies, shaping the Great American Songbook.
Born in 1896
A legendary publicist and songwriter who crafted iconic MGM movie musicals and penned timeless standards like "Dancing in the Dark" and "Moonglow".
Born in 1905
Prolific lyricist behind iconic Broadway shows and Hollywood musicals, penning timeless hits like "I'm in the Mood for Love" and "The Way You Look Tonight".
97 Years Old
A renowned pianist and composer of iconic Broadway musicals, including Sweet Charity and Barnum, creating timeless scores that blend jazz, pop, and classical styles.
