30 Days of NYMF: What Am I? Nuts?

WHAT AM I?  NUTS?
by Steve Ullman, Producer of Bernice Bobs Her Mullet

On July 9, I received an e-mail from a friend who teaches musical theatre at a university.  He forwarded me another e-mail from a former student about that person's friend's musical that had been invited into NYMF, but needed a producer.  Would I look at it?  Sure, why not?

So I contacted Joe Major, who wrote Bernice Bobs Her Mullet, and we agreed to meet a couple of days later.  He pitched me his show and had me laughing over lunch. I read it.  I thought it was cute and had potential.  I met with Isaac Robert Hurwitz to find out how NYMF works…and I realized that I'd lose a ton of money producing this show.  So I said "yes."  What am I?  Nuts?

We were late to the game by at least a month.  We were too late for the "official" NYMF Equity auditions.  I had no team in place.  I had about a minute and a half to find a director, choreographer, musical director, orchestrator, designers and a cast.

Though I've produced hundreds of shows, this would be my first in New York.  I called in every favor I could think of.  Within a week, I had hired a bright young director.  Together, we assembled a team – some young and eager types that he knew and a couple of more experienced friends of mine.  We cast the show without holding an audition, thanks to a wonderful casting director (Michael Cassara).

With two more performances left, do I regret a moment of it?  Or a dollar of it?  Hell, no!  Producing Bernice… at NYMF has truly been a joy.  Our incredible team made magic on a shoestring budget.  Our cast is amazing, talented and committed (though I think I'm the one who should be committed).

So thanks to all who prodded me into insanity.  Should I do it again?  No.  Will I?  Hmm….  

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