The Broadway Collection unveiled a captivating and enlightening documentary short film at the NYC Center Stage luncheon during IPW 2024, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The film, showcased for the first time at this prestigious event, underscores the paramount significance of experiencing a Broadway show while visiting New York City.
Bob Hofmann, Vice President of The Broadway Collection, a division of The Shubert Organization dedicated to guiding NYC visitors in discovering the essence of Broadway, expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative. “I am thrilled to announce our latest venture to bring the magic of Broadway to travelers around the world,” said Hofmann. “This is an exciting step for us, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow The Broadway Collection’s content for distribution in the future.”
Executive Produced by The Broadway Collection and helmed by two-time Emmy-nominated Jonathan Theodore Baker, the documentary marks the inaugural installment in a series of forthcoming videos. Featuring the acclaimed Broadway luminary Gavin Creel, a Tony® and Olivier Award winner who also graced the role of host at IPW’s NYC Center Stage luncheon, the film chronicles Creel’s journey to establishing a thriving career in theater and on Broadway. Baker and Creel’s collaborative history traces back to their shared roots in Findlay, Ohio, and their joint tenure at the University of Michigan’s Musical Theater program.
“It’s quite special to be working together with my old buddy Gavin after all these years,” remarked Baker. “We did so many shows before our lives took different creative paths. It’s an honor to take what I do now as a filmmaker and help audiences get to know the talented performers who make Broadway the pinnacle of live entertainment anywhere in the world.”
Additionally, the documentary features a compelling roundtable discussion with Creel and esteemed guests, including composer and performer Sara Bareilles (Waitress), Tony-nominated actress Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, The Great Gatsby), director Sammi Cannold (How to Dance in Ohio), and actress/singer Jacqueline Arnold (Moulin Rouge!), shedding light on the current state of Broadway in 2024.
This initiative represents The Broadway Collection’s latest endeavor, crafted to illuminate the rich history of Broadway, the intricate process of show production, and the remarkable individuals shaping contemporary live theater. With the aim of fostering a deeper connection between audiences and Broadway while demystifying the intricacies of live theater, The Broadway Collection produces tailored content distributed through various channels such as blogs, email, social media, and video platforms.
Filming for the roundtable segment took place at Bond 45, a popular pre- and post-show venue operated by The Fireman Group, and The Museum of Broadway, while The Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel provided accommodations for the producers. These collaborations underscore The Broadway Collection’s commitment to strengthening the bond between Broadway, the Theater District, the travel industry, and global visitors.