I was very excited to get Julian Schlossberg on the show this week to talk about his new book, Try Not to Hold it Against Me: A Producer’s Life, in large part because he is intimately involved with a part of showbiz that I do not understand at all, at least financially: Broadway and live theater. But Julian’s career stretches beyond the stage: he booked theaters in New York City where he helped Warren Beatty save McCabe and Mrs. Miller from obscurity; he had a radio show that brought him into the orbit of George C. Scott, among others; and he did some time at Paramount, one of his more frustrating experiences in his career. After you listen, make sure to check out his book; Elaine May, the director of Mikey and Nicky and a comedic power, wrote a very nice (and funny!) introduction for it. And, as always, share this episode with a friend!
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This episode somehow feels timely with last week's episode of Poker Face. Really goes to show what a "killing" you can make in theater
My family have always been interested in theatre. My brother who is now a retired executive was invited to an early reading/singing of Hamilton. He opted out, thinking that there was no way a musical about Hamilton would be of interest to anyone. I am not suggesting that he really would have invested but he wished he had attended the event - they were lining up investors.
oh man he'd be doing okay now haha
He would not have invested but it suggests how rare and risky such investments are. Of historical not, the owner of the Boston Red Sox owner sold Babe Ruth to fund his expenses investing in Broadway shows.
My Theatre Design teacher at Yale, Ming Cho Lee always said, you can make a killing but you can’t make a living—in the theatre.
Love his 20th Century project idea. Something like this is sorely needed in this world of internet sludge and outright lies. I certainly would be interested in watching this series.
What a delightful guy.