An Unforgettable Night at the Theater: Stacy Keach’s Resilient Performance

Many events can unfold while watching theater, yet few are as extraordinary as witnessing an actor suffer a heart attack on stage and continue performing. This rare occurrence happened on the opening night of Pamplona at the Goodman Theatre in May 2017. The play was a solo show about the prolific writer Ernest Hemingway, penned by Jim McGarth and starring the remarkable Stacy Keach, who passed away at 85.

Set in Pamplona, Spain, in 1959, the solo performance solely featured Keach on stage. During the performance, Keach momentarily paused and continued with difficulty. This seemed to blend with his role as if it reflected Hemingway’s struggles. Moments of silence and the actor’s eyes opening and closing seemed to enhance his powerful portrayal. At first, I assumed it was part of his intense interpretation of Hemingway trying to overcome a creative block. I even noted the intensity and authenticity of his performance, writing, “Incredible.”

The realization that something was amiss dawned when certain lines were repeated, shortly followed by the director, Robert Falls, exiting the theater. Yet, Keach persisted. Later, he described the experience, saying, “a great fog had come over me.” He felt like he was in an actor’s nightmare, lost and disoriented. An actor’s nightmare typically involves forgetting lines, stage cues, or even the play itself.

Keach acknowledged, “I was very much aware that I was in a state of repetition.” His predicament echoed Hemingway’s struggle with writer’s block, merging reality with performance. Despite his disorientation, Keach remained committed. Eventually, the stage manager intervened with a booming announcement, instructing, “Mr. Keach, please leave the stage.” This cue brought Keach back to awareness, leading him off stage to an awaiting ambulance.

Reflecting on whether Keach would have continued without intervention, I asked him directly. “No,” he responded after a pause. “I would have kept on going,” but acknowledged relief at being released from the situation. Despite the dramatic end to the performance, my admiration for his determination was profound.

Rather than a conventional review, the newspaper featured a story titled “Goodman stops play as star falters.” Yet, Keach’s dedication was evident. In subsequent years, the Goodman Theatre announced Keach’s return to the role. He confidently stated, “I’m going to get back on the horse.” Once again, Keach embraced Hemingway’s persona, this time without interruption, demonstrating resilience and passion for his craft.