Alice Gorgas

Alice Gorgas (1892–1951) was an American soprano and theater actress whose career spanned the early decades of the twentieth century. Born with a wide vocal range, she became recognized nationally as a singer before establishing herself as a stage performer on Broadway.

Gorgas first developed her voice as a member of the St. Thomas church choir, where she rose to the position of featured soloist. A performance of "The Last Words of Christ" proved to be a turning point: a New York performer in attendance encouraged her to pursue larger opportunities, prompting her to begin auditioning for theatrical productions. Though the process required numerous attempts, she eventually secured a role at the Walnut Street Theater. Beginning her stage work in Baltimore, she later relocated to New York, where her career gained significant momentum. She joined the Lafayette Players and took on a lead role in the production of The Brute.

Her reputation as a singer grew to national prominence, and that visibility led to an invitation to join Lew Leslie's Blackbirds in a singing capacity. Following that engagement, she appeared in the stage production of Shuffle Along. She also portrayed Jennie Summer in the play In Wyoming, a performance that drew an enthusiastic response from audiences, who showered her with flowers at the conclusion of the third act.

Her Broadway career ran from 1929 to 1932 and included credits in the play The Marriage of Cana and the musical Deep Harlem.

After a lengthy career in the theater, Gorgas withdrew from the stage and returned to a quieter life, taking a position as a receptionist at a funeral parlor. She later developed a heart condition, and a severe case of pyorrhea spread through her system. She died in 1951, and her funeral was held on a Wednesday. She was buried at Mount Lawn Cemetery.