Philip J. Smith News

Today's top stories include McKenzie Kurtz, who made her Broadway debut playing “Anna” in Frozen, will reprise the role on the North American tour March 17 – April 11, 2022.  Plus, the cast of The Minutes is preparing for Broadway, episode four of The Aging Ingenue, and more!

The Broadway community will honor the memory of Philip J. Smith, the esteemed Chairman Emeritus of The Shubert Organization who was highly regarded for his contributions to American theatre for more than 63 years. Mr. Smith passed away on January 15, 2021, at the age of 89.

The Shubert Organization has announced plans for a memorial celebration of its former Chairman, Philip J. Smith on Tuesday, March 22 at 1:00pm at the Music Box Theatre, 239 West 45th Street. Mr. Smith passed away on January 15, 2021 at the age of 89.

Today there is something fun and exciting to announce. You may recall, back in June I did a story about legendary theatrical figure Albert Poland and his book STAGES, which is not only an excellent and enjoyable read for anyone interested in theatre, but continues its strength in sales, hence, bringing it to audiobook.

The Shubert Organization has announced the passing of its beloved Chairman Emeritus, Philip J. Smith. Mr. Smith passed away peacefully on January 15, 2021, in New York City at the age of 89. The cause of death was complications from Covid-19, confirmed by his daughters, Linda Phillips and Jennifer Stein.

The Board of Directors of The Shubert Organization announced the appointment of Dr. Pamela Newkirk as a new member of the board, effective immediately. Dr. Newkirk will also serve on the board of The Shubert Foundation. 

Six Broadway leaders and stalwarts - Adam Krauthamer, Kimberly Marable, Brian Moreland, Javier Muñoz, Billy Porter and Schele Williams - today joined the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' Board of Trustees.

Getting on the phone with Albert Poland totally swept me away and into the world we love for a glorious 45 minutes...

Philip J. Smith, Chairman and Co-CEO of The Shubert Organization, has announced his retirement, effective June 30th, 2020. The Shubert Organization owns and operates 17 Broadway theatres and six Off-Broadway venues. Mr. Smith will also resign his duties as Chairman of The Shubert Foundation.

The Shubert Foundation has awarded a record total of $32 million to 556 not-for-profit performing arts organizations across the United States. This marks the 37th consecutive year that the Foundation has increased its giving.

The Shubert Foundation has awarded a total of $32 million in 2020 grants to 560 not-for-profit performing arts organizations across the United States.

The Board of Directors of The Shubert Organization announced the appointment of Richard J. Poccia as a new member of the board, effective immediately. Mr. Poccia will also serve on the board of The Shubert Foundation.

The Board of Directors of The Shubert Foundation has appointed Diana Phillips to serve as President of the Foundation. Ms. Phillips will take over the position previously held by Michael I. Sovern, who passed away on January 20, 2020.

From Broadway to Broad Street, the curtains will rise again! The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus and The Shubert Organization announced the 2020/21 Broadway Philadelphia season today, reminding the community to be hopeful in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) (Artistic Director James C. Nicola and Managing Director Jeremy Blocker) announced today performers, presenters and the host for the NYTW 2020 Gala, honoring NYTW Usual Suspect & Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Three Pianos at NYTW) and Tony Award-winning producer Jordan Roth (Producer of Hadestown; President of Jujamcyn Theaters). The Gala will be held on Monday, February 3 at Capitale (130 Bowery, New York, NY 10013).

Three-time Tony Award winning Director Jack O'Brien presented Actor André De Shields, who celebrated the 50th year of his acting career in 2019 by scoring his first Tony Award, for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for his role as Hermes in Hadestown, with the 2019 Father George Moore Artistic Impact Award at Encore Ovation – A Celebration of Aging Through Art at Sardi's on November 18. O'Brien directed De Shields in The Full Monty and Impression on Broadway.

Encore Community Services has been providing care and service to the elderly of the Clinton/Times Square/Midtown communities for 43 years. Encore was founded in 1977 by Father George Moore, the pastor of St. Malachy's Church. He, along with Sisters Elizabeth Hasslet and Lillian McNamara, and members of the Broadway community (including The Shubert Organization, Sardi's and the theatrical unions) turned the old Actor's Chapel in the basement of St. Malachy's into the Encore Senior Center, where it still thrives today.

Leonard Soloway's Broadway, a new documentary produced and directed by Jeff Wolk (After Louie; Last Glimmer of Day) will be available for purchase on Amazon as well as on demand and digitally beginning tomorrow, November 12. The film premiered on November 4th at The Landmark on 57th Street.

Beginning this Monday, November 4th at The Landmark at 57th Street (657 W. 57th Street), Leonard Soloway's Broadway, (www.LeonardSolowaysBroadway.com) a new documentary produced and directed by Jeff Wolk (After Louie; Last Glimmer of Day) will premiere from November 4-7. It will then be distributed digitally by 1091 to digital platforms including iTunes, On Demand, and DVDs will be available on Amazon  beginning on November 12. The film will also screen at several film festivals around the country prior to its digital distribution. Tickets for the New York premiere can be purchased here: https://www.landmarktheatres.com/new-york-city/the-landmark-at-57-west/film-info/leonard-soloways-broadway?attributes=983

3-D Theatricals launches its 2019-2020 season with ONCE, The Musical, winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The production, directed by Kari Hayter and choreographed by Linda Love Simmons with musical direction and conducting by David Lamoureux, will play October 11-27 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cerritos, CA).