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Douglas Balentine found dead

By

Lawson Taitte/Theater Critic

ltaitte@dallasnews.com | Bio

8:22 PM on Sun., Dec. 14, 2008 |

Douglas Balentine, who founded Fort Worth's Hip Pocket Theatre along with Johnny and Diane Simons, has died. According to an email from Ms. Simons, Mr. Balentine had gone camping and a Texas park ranger discovered the body three days ago. Plans for services in Kerrville and Fort Worth are still pending.

Doug Balentine created the original musical scores for many Hip Pocket shows in the company's early years. His work was also seen and heard at the Kimbell Art Museum, the Edinburgh (Scotland) Fringe Festival, London's Queen Elizabeth Hall and Duke University.

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Archived Comments

Posted by Ronnie Henderson @ 3:18 AM Thu, Dec 18, 2008

Douglas Balentine left many blessings of his talents upon this Earth. Gifted with one of the real things in this life: that of music and song with lyrical inspirations which touch the hearts of many. He was my friend. I am his. There shall be musical endeavors posted in memory of him which will be on feature beginning December 17, 2008....on channel: http://www.youtube.com/itsblockdog
I will contribute to upload what I have been blessed to share in mutual spirit with his willing: that being so freely to give in this dedication to him by God.

Posted by DA Wood @ 11:52 AM Fri, Dec 19, 2008

I went to high school with Doug and was totally frightened and mesmerized by his talent but soon learned that his heart was as big as he was. I remember that incredible voice and how his hands made music come from the piano and take life. I followed his achievements at Hip Pocket Theatre and beyond and every time I saw or heard his name, I heard that voice and that music. That was Douglas' talent, once you experienced his gift it never left you.

Posted by DA Wood @ 11:53 AM Fri, Dec 19, 2008

I went to high school with Doug and was totally frightened and mesmerized by his talent but soon learned that his heart was as big as he was. I remember that incredible voice and how his hands made music come from the piano and take life. I followed his achievements at Hip Pocket Theatre and beyond and every time I saw or heard his name, I heard that voice and that music. That was Douglas' talent, once you experienced his gift it never left you.

Posted by Frances aka Olive Oyl @ 10:07 AM Sun, Dec 28, 2008

Lyrics from Douglas's "Popeye" Musical:
"It's so clear when I'm here that I wonder
If it's this or the other that is real?
All this horror and grief with no hope for relief,
It's all too real when I feel what I feel.
It can be so enlightening but it's terribly frightening
to see how this world in an instant will change.
Which of these two different truths is illusion?
Is it the clarity or the confusion we're forced to exchange?
It's so clear when I'm here that I won't think about it
for without any doubt it won't remain.
I cling fast as the pendulum swings, first I'll sing
of the infinite joy, then scream ultimate pain.
It can be so annoying to feel something toying
with truth I'm still struggling so hard to explain.
If it only could last for ran instant, no longer be distant,
somehow, just stay close to me.
Well I don't mind going up, I don't mind coming down,
What I mind is not knowing where I am,
and where I'm bound."
Safe travels, Douglas, wherever you may be going.


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