Joel Paley, the creative mind behind the beloved Off Broadway musical *Ruthless!*, has passed away at the age of 69. Known for its sharp wit and unforgettable music, the show became a cult classic, telling the story of a young girl willing to go to extreme lengths—yes, even murder—to land the lead role in her school play. Paley’s death on January 11 came after a medical emergency while he was driving on I-95 in Connecticut. He pulled over at a rest stop, where bystanders called 911. Despite efforts to save him, he later died in the hospital. The playwright’s life was as colorful as his work. Before *Ruthless!* took the stage in 1992, Paley danced with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, a quirky, cross-dressing ballet parody troupe. “He was a natural comedian,” said Peter Anastos, the group’s founder. “He wasn’t the best dancer, but he had a knack for making people laugh.” Paley’s personal life also made headlines. In 2015, during the revival of *Ruthless!*, he surprised his longtime partner, Marvin Laird—who composed the show’s music—by proposing on stage. The couple married shortly after, adding a real-life happy ending to their creative partnership. Sadly, Laird passed away just six weeks before Paley. *Ruthless!* remains a testament to Paley’s talent, blending dark humor with catchy tunes that have delighted audiences for decades. His legacy lives on in the laughter and applause of theatergoers who continue to discover his work. ---