Broadway Beat and BWW's Bradshaw Smith Dies at 57

Producer Bradshaw Smith passed away on Monday, January 16, 2012 after suffering a sudden stroke. Born on April 14, 1954 in Derby Connecticut, he arrived in New York in the mid-70's and immediately immersed himself in the world of cabaret. He was acclaimed for his groundbreaking cabaret performances, none more popular than his long running Cole Porter Revue at Don't Tell Mama. His cabaret awards include a Backstage Bistro in 1985. In 1987 he received the first MAC Award for Best Male Vocalist.

After taking a step off-stage, he re-invented himself behind the video camera. In 1990, he received the MAC Board of Directors Award for his new cable television show "Cabaret Beat."

In collaboration with Richard Ridge, he went on to create "Broadway Beat," the first cable television program devoted exclusively to celebrating the theatre. For more than 20 years they have documented thousands of New York theatre professionals in performance and rehearsal for many hundreds of productions from Broadway to Off-Off Broadway, in cabaret rooms across the city, at countless benefits, award shows and more. "Broadway Beat" has appeared on BroadwayWorld.com since 2006. 

Bradshaw is survived by his brother, RoBert Smith and was predeceased by his beloved partner John Scoullar. He leaves behind a legion of friends and colleagues whose friendship, camaraderie, on-stage performances and off-stage antics he loved. A longtime resident of Hell's Kitchen, making it his home, office and studio years before it was upscale, he was never more happy than when at his home in Cherry Grove, Fire Island.

Thanks to Bradshaw's talents behind the camera and skill at the computer console their work will be preserved for generations to come through the "Broadway Beat" Archive.

Funeral services are private with a memorial to follow. Donations in Bradshaw Smith's name may be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.