By Monty Siekerman
This is a story about Ben Vereen, the multitalented singer, dancer, actor who will present a show at the Freed Center on Jan. 28. But this is not the usual story detailing his talents and many accolades, you can read plenty of that on the internet; it's an easy search.
In a recent telephone interview, Ben Vereen discussed how he has coped with tragedy and enormous set backs in his life, something, he says, everyone experiences if they've lived a few years. Read on to find out his take on how to overcome misfortune...those terrible things you have no control over.
The worst experience, he said, was the death of his 16-year-old daughter, Naja, on a New Jersey turnpike when a truck overturned on her car in 1987.
"Life isn't supposed to happen that way," he said. "The parents are supposed to die first."
Five years later he found himself with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car on a Malibu highway in the middle of the night. Doctors and other health care workers told him to begin thinking about another line of work since he'd probably never walk again, maybe even talk again, let alone dance and sing.
But he overcame these calamities. Read on about how he coped and what motivates him to continues to thrill audiences.
(But, first a plug for his show: 7:30, Saturday, Jan. 28, call the Freed Center box office at 419-772-1900 for tickets. The show will be a night of song, dance, and laughter presented by a multitalented performer that will leave you smiling as you head home. Tickets are very reasonably priced thanks to those who sponsor Freed Center events.)
Vereen said, I'm really blessed." After the accident, the doctors and therapists said that he'd be in a wheelchair for three years and may never walk again. They said he should find another career. He said he recovered from the accident by "sheer will." He said that performing is his passion.
He's happy to be alive, living out his passion. "I wake up every day and say, 'Wow, another shot of glory,'" he said. "It's not my will but His will be done." He said, "We are here to serve one another."
Vereen's life is more than being in the spotlight on stage or in front of a TV camera. He:
• teaches master's classes in the arts. Students may not make a career in the performing arts, but he hopes they take away some core values from his classes.
• talks on diabetes. He encourages diabetics to check their blood sugar, eat well, take their meds, and exercise.
• speaks with bereaved parents. He hopes the example he sets will be an inspiration to others.
He concludes, "Life is good...it is to be valued."
