With heavy hearts, we share that The Gaslight Theatre has lost one of its brightest stars. Tom Benson was the scenic designer who shaped the visual soul of the Gaslight Theatre. In fact, he designed all 3 locations, including the Gaslight Music Hall and Little Anthony's Diner.  

Tony and Tom met at the U of A Drama Dept. back in 1975 and they had the idea to start the melodrama summer stock in Skagway, Alaska. Just a couple of crazy kids with a dream and a very big tent. Tom was the scenic designer and lead actor that summer. This led to Tom being one of the founders of the Gaslight Theatre in 1977 at our original Tucson location in Trail Dust Town.  

Tom designed every one of our sets and hand-painted nearly every drop you see on our stage. His artistry, craftsmanship, and love for melodrama quite literally built the world our stories live in.  

This is a devastating loss for our theater and for the entire theatre community. Tom wasn’t just a designer; he was a storyteller, a collaborator, and a quiet genius whose brush brought magic to life.  

We are endlessly grateful for the beauty he gave us and the legacy he leaves behind. His art will remain on our stage, and his spirit will always be part of the Gaslight family.   

The celebration of Tom's life will be announced as soon as the arrangements are made.