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Artistic Visionary Joseph Reed Hayes Passes Away

An artistic theater performance with lights and actors on stage

News Summary

Joseph Reed Hayes, a significant figure in the artistic and culinary scenes, has passed away at 71. Known for his theatrical contributions and restaurant critiques, his work has left an indelible mark on the culture. With a background in publishing and a passion for mentoring emerging artists, Hayes’s legacy will influence generations to come. A celebration of his life is planned later this year, inviting the community to honor his contributions to the arts.

Henrico, Va. — Joseph Reed Hayes, a multifaceted figure in the artistic and culinary communities, passed away suddenly at the age of 71 on July 16, 2025. His contributions spanned theater, writing, and restaurant critique, leaving a lasting impact on various cultural landscapes.

Born on November 26, 1953, in New York, New York, Hayes earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Lehman College, part of the City University of New York. His early career was rooted in publishing and radio, where he established himself in the New York area before relocating to Orlando, Florida, in 1995. This move was prompted by his meeting with his life partner, Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor, through an online writers’ group.

In Orlando, Hayes transitioned to the arts full-time as a freelance theater artist and writer. He notably contributed to the Orlando Shakespeare Festival, where he was responsible for running lights and sound for outdoor productions of “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” His writing was featured in local publications such as the Orlando Sentinel, Orlando Weekly, and Orlando Magazine.

Hayes’s artistic journey included participating in residencies at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and he was mentored by prominent writers like Samuel Delaney and Douglas Coupland. In 2002, he brought his first play, “A Little Crazy,” to the stage, with a character based on his grandfather, Avram, portrayed by actor Paul Wegman.

Over the years, he authored several notable plays, including “Solos,” “Destination Moon,” “Tom Waits for No Man,” and “If I Had My Way.” His final production, “Mockingbird News,” was staged shortly after he moved to Richmond, Virginia. His works were performed across renowned venues in Florida, Canada, the UK, and Italy, employing over 150 actors and theater professionals throughout his career.

Beyond theater, Hayes was passionate about advocating for fair compensation within the arts community, emphasizing the importance of proper remuneration for collaborators. His commitment extended to launching a series of jazz and spoken word performances, where he worked alongside various musicians and poets, including composer and Beat poet David Amram. He played a significant role in organizing fundraisers for the Kerouac Project, showcasing his dedication to supporting fellow creatives.

With a love for food that complemented his artistic endeavors, Hayes served as a restaurant critic for over 25 years. In 2020, he developed “Pompeii’s Table,” a series of culinary events tied to the Orlando Science Center’s exhibition. An early adopter of streaming technology, he maintained numerous websites dedicated to various topics, including resources for aspiring writers.

Known for his mentorship, Hayes provided endless support to emerging artists, urging them to embrace audacity in their careers. He found a nurturing environment at the Timucua Arts Foundation, where he presented new plays and collaborated with La Lucha, a jazz trio that significantly influenced his later compositional work.

Joseph Reed Hayes is survived by his life partner, Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor, his son, Peter L. Taylor, along with family members Eric Bogert and Carl Hayes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Veronica Hayes. A celebration of his life and artistic legacy is planned for later this year in Orlando.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hayes’s memory are encouraged for the Timucua Arts Foundation, World Central Kitchen, or MusiCares, reflecting his commitment to the arts and social causes.

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STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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