Russell Treyz, 84, of New York City passed away on August 16 2024 after a sudden illness. Born in Callicoon, New York in 1940, Russ was the youngest son of George Victor Treyz and Jane Leffingwell Treyz.

A distinguished figure in American theater, Russ directed hundreds of plays, musicals, and operas over his 49-year professional career. He was an alumnus of Princeton University and the Yale School of Drama. His career in regional theater was marked by innovation and dedication, most notably as the co-writer of the musical Cotton Patch Gospel and the recipient of a Drama Desk Award in 1972 for directing his first off-Broadway play, Whitsuntide.

Part of the burgeoning New York off-off Broadway scene in the 1970’s, Russ nurtured new playwrights and actors working at Cafe LaMaMa, Judson Poets Theater, St. Clements Theater, and Playwrights Horizons. His legacy includes directing Year of the Dragon at American Place Theater and for the PBS series Theater in America.

Known for his collaborative and creative skills, Russ’s production of Midsummer Night’s Dream helped the Utah Shakespeare Festival gain Tony Award recognition. Many actors including Randy Kim, Mercedes Ruehl, John Glover, George Takei, Robin Williams, Ty Burrell, Kristen Chenoweth, Jeff McCarthy, John Lithgow, and Greg Wood did stage work with Russ. Russ loved to direct and never turned down an opportunity to do so. His enthusiasm and passion contributed to his long and successful career.

Russ met his wife of 52 years, filmmaker Alice Elliott, in 1970 when she auditioned for him. The two were married in 1972.

Beyond his remarkable achievements in theater, Russ was a devoted father who cherished his family above all else. He was a loving dad to his daughter, Amanda Mary Treyz, and his son, Ross Denney-Elliott Treyz, as well as a doting Pop Pop to his grandson, Arthur Russell Treyz. He also took in his nephew Eli Slaven Quinters of Brooklyn, New York. His family was his pride, and his nurturing spirit left an indelible mark on their lives.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents George and Jane as well as his older brother George I and older sister Mary Treyz. Russ is survived by his wife, Alice Elliott Treyz, as well as his children Amanda and Ross, his nephew Eli, and his grandson Arthur.

Russell Treyz's kind and creative spirit touched many lives, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. A celebration and remembrance of his life is planned for October 13 at 6:30pm at Judson Church in New York City. Please contact Amanda Treyz (supertreyz@gmail.com) for more information.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Entertainment Community Fund, formerly The Actors Fund (https://entertainmentcommunit…) and Judson Memorial Church (https://www.judson.org)

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