Daryl Roth had lived a wonderfully fulfilling life as wife and mother. Yet, as she reached her 40's, she longed to work on the stages of Broadway that had inspired her all of these years.
Over two decades later, Daryl is now one of the most prolific Broadway producers today. She has built a sustainable business, producing over 80 productions that have garnered numerous Tony Awards, such as KINKY BOOTS and PROOF. She also holds the singular distinction of producing 7 Pulitzer Prize-winning productions.
I sat down with Daryl to learn more about what inspired her to start and ultimately succeed as an entrepreneur amid New York's toughest show business.
Tiffany Pham: What first inspired you to become a Broadway producer?
Daryl Roth: Theatre was always a part of my life growing up in New Jersey. It was wonderful that my parents would bring both my sister and myself at a young age to see Broadway musicals, so our introduction to theatre was early and often. And I, in turn, would then bring my children to experience theatre and it became a wonderful shared experience which we now have passed on to our grandchildren.
Because of this early love of theatre, I had always wished I would find a way into the business and be able to part of the theatre world.
Pham: What was your plan of action once you decided to launch your own production company?
Roth: I really didn’t have a business plan as such, I was led by my passion and my desire to become a producer, and my career came about very organically. I began my business in 1988, and in those first years I produced mainly Off Broadway, which gave me a hands-on opportunity to learn all aspects of the business. My first investors were primarily family and friends; as I was building my business, their support was very valuable. This made it crucial for me to be fiscally responsible, as they had placed their trust and belief in me. To this day, that is of utmost importance to me; I always invest my own money alongside that of my investors.
In 1996, I acquired the former Union Square Savings Bank on Union Square and 15th Street, where I created The Daryl Roth Theatre, a multi-purpose space which is home to a 299-seat main stage, the DR2, an intimate 99-seat theater that welcomes new plays as well as programming for young audiences, and the D-Lounge, a cozy setting appropriate for cabaret and comedy performances. I didn’t anticipate owning a theatre in the beginning, but it was an opportunity that came my way at the appropriate time, and allowed me to grow my business.
Pham: How was your experience during the first production under Daryl Roth Productions, and how has your role and experience evolved over the course of your legendary career?
Roth: My first show was Closer Than Ever, a song cycle written by Richard Maltby, Jr. and David
While I produce both on Broadway and Off Broadway, I think the same things are true about my role now as they were twenty-six years ago. My relationship with the artists is first and foremost, and my philosophy remains choosing material that resonates with me and, hopefully, audiences as well.
Pham: What have been the most significant professional or personal challenges you have faced as a Broadway producer? What have been some of the greatest moments?
Roth: I think one of the main challenges of being a producer is making sure once the show is mounted that you are doing everything you can to attract an audience that will appreciate it. In New York, in particular, we are beholden to a small group of critics who can alter the fate of a show and how it is perceived, making it imperative that audiences are exposed to additional information through press stories, marketing initiatives, social media and, of course, word of mouth.
I have been blessed with amazing and wonderful moments and memories, and am very proud of the productions I have been involved with. I have worked with some of the finest writers, directors, actors, and designers. Kinky Boots and The Normal Heart are two highlights of my career.
The Normal Heart, Larry Kramer's seminal play about the AIDS crisis which I produced on Broadway in 2011, had an enormous effect in the community. Magnificently and fiercely acted, the play was met with an astounding response, touching all those who remembered, and enlightening a younger generation first learning of their history and legacy.
During a performance on the evening of June 24th that year, the New York State Marriage Equality Act was passed in Albany. At the curtain call, we announced the momentous news to our audience, which led to cheering and crying, and was one of the most memorable nights I've ever had in the theatre.
Pham: What inspired you to produce your latest Tony Award-winning musical, KINKY BOOTS?
Roth: Seven years ago, I saw a screening of a small independent English film called Kinky Boots. I knew in my heart the story had the DNA to become a wonderful musical. It deals with many subjects that are important to me and those I wanted to champion onstage: the father-son relationship, people having the courage to be true to themselves, compassion and acceptance. Even though it has developed into a fabulous Broadway musical, the heart of the story is an intimate one, about how it takes a courageous person to make a journey of self-acceptance and ultimately accept other people.
Once I obtained the rights, my first call was to Harvey Fierstein, who I knew had the ideal sensibilities to adapt this story for the stage. I asked Jerry Mitchell to direct and choreograph, knowing he was the perfect person for this show, which needed uplifting staging and a bit of glitter and glam! I asked my fellow producer Hal Luftig to join me as a producer, and the next, most momentous call was to Cyndi Lauper, inviting her to join our “dream team.” And the rest is history.
Pham: What plans do you have next in store for KINKY BOOTS?
Roth: Well, the good news is that Kinky Boots recouped its investment in thirty weeks, which is quite extraordinary for a Broadway musical. We’re thrilled that our National Tour will begin in September of 2014. There is great interest in presenting Kinky Boots in other countries, as well. But, we plan to be long-term residents at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, our Broadway home.
Pham: Do you have any advice for Broadway producers and media entrepreneurs aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Roth: The best advice I can give is to be passionate about the work you choose; be tenacious, be dedicated, and don’t be afraid to fail.
Tiffany Pham is the Founder & CEO of MOGUL (www.onmogul.com), a worldwide platform connecting women from over 189 countries to the Internet's top trending content, personalized to their interests.
