Roth Reveals Keys to a Successful Bway Show

Jujamcyn Theatre owner Jordan Roth recently sat down with New York Magazine to discuss what elements he looks for in a show seeking to occupy one of his theatrical venues. Jujamcyn is currently presenting AMERICAN IDIOT at the ST. James Theatre, HAIR at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, JERSEY BOYS at the August Wilson Theatre, FELA! at the EuGene O'Neill Theatre, and A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC at the Walter Kerr Theatre.

For Roth, a successful show must have the following 3 characteristics: "Shows that are, one, uniquely theatrical: experiences that need to be live. Two, essential: They matter, they need to exist. And, three, they sell tickets. We aim for all three, but that's a high bar, and sometimes you get only two." Roth's personal rule of three lead him to book FELA! which has been nominated for 11 Tony Awards.

To read his full insights in New York Magazine, Click Here.

Besides running the Jujamcyn Theatres Roth hosts the "Broadway Talks" series at the 92nd Street Y. "Broadway Talks" series features illuminating one-on-one discussions between Mr. Roth and current Broadway stars. Roth joined Jujamcyn Theaters in 2005 and assumed the role of President in September 2009. He produced A Catered Affair (Winner Best Musical - Drama League, 12 Drama Desk nominations), the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show (Best Musical Revival - Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations), The Donkey Show, which ran 6 years off-Broadway with several international productions and The Karaoke Show. Jordan created Givenik.com, where theatergoers can purchase discounted tickets and give 5% of their ticket price to the charity of their choice. He serves on the boards of The Broadway League, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Times Square Alliance and Freedom to Marry. He graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with degrees in philosophy and theater and is pursuing an MBA at Columbia University.

Jujamcyn Theaters, founded in 1956, owns and operates five theaters on Broadway. Jordan Roth, Paul Libin and Jack Viertel are the company's President, Producing Director and Creative Director, respectively. Jerry Zaks is the company's resident director. Jordan Roth and Rocco Landesman are Jujamcyn's co-owners.

Among the many shows which Jujamcyn has produced or presented are: Angels in America, Big River, Caroline or Change, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, City of Angels, Death of a Salesman, Doubt, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Grand Hotel, Grease!, Grey Gardens, Guys & Dolls, Gypsy, Into the Woods, Jelly's Last Jam, Love! Valour! Compassion!, M. Butterfly, A Moon For The Misbegotten, Moon Over Buffalo, The Producers, Proof, The Secret Garden, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Spring Awakening, Take Me Out, Tommy, The Weir and six plays by August Wilson.

 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

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