Any person who has ever spent more than one hour with Nick O’Neil, no  matter how long ago it was, has been given the gift of being touched by an amazing enthusiasm for life. But sadly Nick lost his life with 97 other victims that night in "The Station Night Club" fire. Our hearts are still heavy with sorrow over the loss of this "simply amazing kid".

Although Nick was a standout in every theatre production he was in, Nick ‘s real dream was to be a rock star. He was the lead vocalist and played guitar with his band "Shryne". Nick had a unique gift of reaching out to other people with his music and a way of "always making you feel good about yourself". Whether you were a fellow cast member from the various theatre groups, or a fan of his band "Shryne", or just a passing acquaintance, once you met Nick you had a friend forever.

Many of us remember the first time we met Nick at the Stadium Theatre. His brother Chris was the director for ERC’s "Bye, Bye, Birdie", Nick played the lead role of Conrad Birdie. There were a lot of us who did not have a clue about what we were doing and then there was this 15 year old kid who was a natural! When he did his little "hip thing" all the girls in the cast didn’t have to act they were genuinely all crazy about him. He was so kind to us "amateurs". His laughter and smile was contagious and he had a repertoire of some of the corniest jokes we had ever heard. But he could win your heart with his smile and the way he delivered the punch line, couldn’t help but laugh! The role of the "Scarecrow" in ERC’s 2000 production of 'The Wizard of Oz’ was perfect type casting and Nick played the role to perfection. Although at times, I thought of him as more of a "Pied Piper", as all the children, playing the roles of Munchkins, would follow Nick all over the theatre and congregate in his dressing room to hear stories as he imparted all his wisdom of the "theatre business" to them. You could be sure that if there was a shy or uneasy performer Nick would be their biggest cheerleader helping them to learn their lines and telling then that they were the "best"!

We choose to write about "Nick" rather than list his shows and tangible accomplishments hoping that those of you who were not blessed by having known this wonderful boy who grew to be a fine young man will be inspired by the richness of his life during his short time here on earth.

"We have not one single regret about Nicky's life. He loved life to the fullest, never once spoiling his beautiful body with drugs or alcohol, never allowing for disharmony, and always working to create brilliant art as an actor, a comedian, a singer/songwriter, a rock star.....In his short glorious life Nicky brought more joy to more people and changed more lives than anyone I have ever known."

- from a letter written by Nick's brother and best friend Chris

"Music taught me lessons a classroom never could, to love with your heart, and unleash your soul"

- from an unfinished song by Nicholas Philip O'Neil

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