SMG & JAM Theatricals to Take Over at National Theatre

The Trustees of The National Theatre Corporation (NTC), in Washington, D.C., are announcing that they have entered into an arrangement with Chicago-based JAM Theatricals, Ltd. and Philadelphia area-based SMG that will expand the presentations at the historic National Theatre to include an annual Broadway series, concerts, leading classical artists and other attractions. JAM and SMG are combining to provide booking, advertising, marketing and promotional services, venue management and operational support for the Theatre.

Located at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, The National Theatre opened in 1835 and is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the nation. Over the years, the Theatre has hosted a multitude of memorable events, including the pre-Broadway presentation of the musicals Showboat, Hello Dolly! and West Side Story. Many of the world’s greatest performers have graced The National Theatre stage including Robert Redford, George C. Scott, Will Rogers, Helen Hayes, James Earl Jones, Eartha Kitt, Sir Laurence Olivier, Chita Rivera, Rita Moreno, Katherine and Audrey Hepburn and Sting.

Situated just three blocks from the White House, the Theatre has entertained U.S. Presidents since Andrew Jackson. Winston Churchill himself once spoke from The National Theatre stage.

“We are truly excited about the future prospects for The National Theatre with this new management team,” said Sterling Tucker, President of the NTC Board. “Our discussions with JAM and SMG helped us envision the potential for increased and diverse programming at the National.” NTC Executive Director Tom Lee added, “I am personally delighted over the prospect of bringing a broad variety of artists and attractions to The National Theatre stage.”

Steve Traxler, President of JAM Theatricals stated, “JAM Theatricals is happy to have an opportunity to work with NTC and SMG to present Broadway musicals and plays in the Nation’s Capital, and we look forward to adding to the rich cultural history of this Theatre.” Arny Granat, JAM’s Chairman, added, “Washington is a great city and the National is a great venue. We want to work with people in the community to encourage bringing more shows to this historic theatre.”

Bob Papke, SMG’s Vice President of Theaters echoed the sentiment, saying, “SMG looks forward to working with NTC and JAM Theatricals to bring the very best performers and events to the residents of the Metro area.”

SMG manages venues with more than 1.75 million arena and theatre seats and more than 14 million square feet of exhibition space. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking/ programming, construction/design consulting and pre-opening services. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 100 accounts worldwide.

JAM Theatricals is a Chicago-based entertainment company that presents and produces Broadway engagements throughout North America. Under the direction of co-founders Arny Granat and Steve Traxler, JAM Theatricals manages subscription seasons in more than 30 cities. JAM Theatricals and its principals are the recipients of five Tony Awards® for producing Glengarry Glen Ross (Best Revival of a Play, 2005), Monty Python’s Spamalot (Best Musical, 2005), The History Boys (Best Play, 2006), August: Osage County (Best Play, 2008) and Hair (Best Revival of a Musical, 2009). Additional Broadway credits include: One Man Two Guvnors, Spiderman, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, The Retreat from Moscow, The Wedding Singer, Talk Radio, Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Seafarer, The Homecoming, November, SUNDAY IN THE Park with George, Speed-the-Plow, 9 to 5, Blithe Spirit, Race, Come Fly Away and The Addams Family. JAM Theatricals is proud to produce this season’s 30th Anniversary revival of Glengarry, Glen Ross by David Mamet starring Al Pacino.