A Look Into Being A Broadway Producer

BY JULIE PRISCO jprisco@antonmediagroup.com

Great Neck resident Robin Gorman Newman has been working as a Broadway producer since 2016. As a Broadway producer, Gorman Newman provides fundraising and promotional support to the shows she works on. Broadway producers contribute marketing ideas, work with investors, and give assistance to the team on the show, such as general managers and other producers.

“It is important to have support for projects because, quite simply, if there weren’t investors supporting the arts, where would we be?” said Gorman Newman. “It takes a village to bring a show to fruition, and co-producers do anything that we can to support the success of that production.”

From a young age, Gorman Newman has loved the theater. Her mother was a theater fan and helped foster a love of the arts in Gorman Newman. While at Hofstra University, Gorman Newman was the arts editor of the school paper. She has extensive experience in writing theater reviews and personality profiles.

An unexpected opportunity presented itself years ago to Gorman Newman, which got her involved in the production side of Broadway. A show called In Mother Words in California caught her eye. The production shows the honest side of all of the joy and absurdities that come with motherhood. Years before seeing the show, Gorman Newman founded Motherhood Later, which serves as a resource and community for those who became a mom at 35 or older.

Her experience with Motherhood Later and being Vice President at a PR firm combined with her love for the arts, Gorman Newman felt compelled to get involved with

Letter from the Publisher

Gold Coast Living

the show.

“I tend to be someone who listens to their gut, and I just made the call and I really wasn’t even sure what I wanted,” said Gorman Newman. “I didn’t expect a callback, but a few weeks went by, and one of the lead producers of the show called me back and she wound up telling me that the show was transferring to New York.”

Initially, Gorman Newman was an investor in the show and was given the title of Associate Producer for the off-Broadway show. “They gave me the opportunity to work on a very active grassroots level to help create some marketing initiatives. And for me, this felt like the perfect melding of my background. And, it was then that I just decided that I wanted to do more of this.”

Gorman Newman’s first Broadway show as a producer was Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Since then, she has worked on numerous shows, such as Fat Ham, Museum of Broadway and Parade.

“I loved the show (Parade) since day one. I saw it at City Center, and I fell in love with it immediately there. I was a big fan of Ben Platt and Micaela Diamond (the leads),” said Gorman Newman. “I walked out of the show and felt like I had got punched by this stunning piece of theater. I couldn’t even speak for 10 minutes. I needed to process what I had just seen.”

Dear Neighbor,

Published by Anton Media Group

KARL V. ANTON, JR. Publisher, 1984-2000

Angela Susan AntonEditor and Publisher

Frank A. Virga President

Iris PiconeVice President of Operations/CFO

Shari Egnasko Director of Sales Administration

Christy HinkoEditor, Special Sections

Robin CarterDirector of Production

Alex NuñezCreative Director

Cathy BongiornoArt Director

Joy DiDonatoDirector of Circulation

Linda BaccoliDirector of Business Administration

Advertising Sales Ally Deane, Sal Massa, Mary Mallon

Maria Pruyn, Jeryl Sletteland

132 East Second Street, Phone: 516-747-8282

Mineola, NY 11501 Fax: 516-742-5867 advertising inquiries advertising@antonmediagroup.com circulation inquiries subscribe@antonmediagroup.com editorial submissions specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Anton Media Group © 2023

While Gorman Newman was not necessarily looking for a show to work on, she always keeps her eyes open for things coming her way.

According to the website for Parade, the show stars a newlywed Jewish couple, Leo and Lucille Frank, struggling to make a life in Georgia. “When Leo is accused of an unspeakable crime, it propels them into an unimaginable test of faith, humanity, justice and devotion.”

“It was a piece that I felt needed to be seen by as many people as possible so that people could recognize that this happens. And hopefully, it will never happen again, but it could,” said Gorman Newman. “But it’s a beautiful love story at its core, and it’s a story of the empowerment of a woman who goes to bat for her husband and finds her voice in the face of horrific odds.”

Gorman Newman’s shows Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, Fat Ham and Parade have received Tony nominations. And just this June, Parade won a Tony for Best Musical Revival.

“Since winning the Tony, it’s just icing on the cake,” said Gorman Newman. “Because this show has meant so much to me from the very beginning, and I’m glad that it’s getting the recognition that it deserves because then it sends a message out to the world that this is a story worth telling and worth seeing.”

Parade is on Broadway through Aug. 6. Visit paradebroadway.com for show dates and ticket information.

In addition to her work as a Broadway producer, Gorman Newman is a Vice President on the board of New York Theater Barn, a nonprofit incubator of new musicals, and a member of the Drama League. She recently

Welcome to our latest edition of Gold Coast Living. The North Shore of Long Island boasts a captivating summer experience like no other. As the sun-kissed days stretch out, a feeling of sheer joy permeates the air, bringing forth a vibrant tapestry of beauty and leisure. Nestled against the sparkling waters of the Long Island Sound, this region offers delights that evoke the essence of summer.

There is no lack of fascinating events, people and places to write about across our region.

Beyond the shoreline, the North Shore unfolds a lush wonderland of natural treasures. Expansive parks and nature reserves offer idyllic retreats for hiking, picnicking and reconnecting with the beauty of the outdoors. The award-winning and historically significant landscapes are adorned with vibrant flora and fauna, creating a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable summer memories.

The Gold Coast charm extends to its towns and villages, each exuding a distinctive character and welcoming atmosphere. Strolling along quaint joined the production team of SMASH, which is a big forthcoming Broadway musical inspired by the hit TV series and has Steven Spielberg as one of the lead producers.

Gorman Newman is currently developing a musical inspired by her book, How To Marry A Mensch. “Our hope is to inspire a mensch movement. I’ve always believed that what you put out is what you attract, and if someone is looking for a mensch, then you need to be one first,” said Gorman Newman.

When asked, why do you do what you do? Gorman Newman says, “Because I’ve always believed that theater has the power to change lives. Theater can share important messages, theater can entertain, theater can inspire and validate. It’s so vital.” streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries and mouthwatering eateries, one can’t help but succumb to the enchanting allure of summer’s delights.

Festivals, concerts and cultural events come alive, casting a spell of celebration. From lively street fairs to enchanting fireworks displays, the summer nights are alive with laughter, music, and a sense of community.

In the heart of the North Shore of Long Island, the joy of summer permeates every facet of life, infusing the days with a sense of adventure, relaxation, and wonder. It’s a season that captures the essence of carefree bliss, forging memories that linger long after the warm sun fades away.

I hope you enjoy this summer issue of Gold Coast Living as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.

Angela Susan Anton Publisher

In today’s challenging real estate market, sellers are struggling to determine the optimal downsizing options, while buyers are grappling with intense competition for properties. With a proven track record of over 25 years as an accomplished real estate specialist, backed by expertise in accounting and the law, I can provide you with in- depth knowledge necessary to guide you through the complexities of managing one of your most valuable assets – your home. I warmly welcome the opportunity to sit down with you and thoroughly evaluate all the available options, ensuring you make well-informed decisions.