John Reardon

Who was John Reardon?

John Reardon was an American baritone and actor who was noted for his performances on television, including many appearances on the PBS children's television show Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. Reardon was a member of the New York Metropolitan Opera from 1965 until 1977, appearing in such operas as Carmen and Jenufa. He co-starred with Phil Silvers on Broadway in the Jule Styne musical Do Re Mi introducing the standard song "Make Someone Happy." He also appeared on Broadway in New Faces of 1956 and Gian Carlo Menotti's The Saint of Bleecker Street. In 1969 he created the role of Dr. Stone in the premiere of Menotti's Help, Help, the Globolinks! at the Santa Fe Opera. Reardon was chosen by Igor Stravinsky to sing the role of Nick Shadow on Stravinsky's second recording of his opera The Rake's Progress. Reardon also appears on several of Ben Bagley's Painted Smiles "Revisited" albums.