How to succeed in business on Broadway

This is a business of passion. I’ve handled so many shows that in my heart I’ve loved but that have been dismissed by critics. It’s not an easy business. There’s only one constant, and that’s change.

—Keith Sherman, BSBA ’77

From the original production of 42nd Street to the recent Tony winner Fun Home, Olin alumni have been making the lights on Broadway shine brighter for many years. Washington Magazine profiles Terry Schnuck, MBA’60, Keith Sherman, BSBA ’77, and other WashU alumni who have been drawn to a life in the theatre, on and off stage.

Writer Jeanette Cooperman traces Schnuck’s career switch from lawyer for his family’s grocery business to successful New York producer with award-winning hits such as Spring Awakening, Carole King: The Musical and Fun Home. Sherman wanted to be an actor, but realized his business background and talent as a publicist was the ticket to a front row seat on Broadway. “Sherman has represented more than 300 ­Broadway, ­Off-Broadway and touring productions,” and he’s done PR for the Tonys and the Royal Shakespeare Company, to name a few, according to the article.

“This is a business of passion,” Sherman says. “I’ve handled so many shows that in my heart I’ve loved but that have been dismissed by critics. It’s not an easy business. There’s only one constant, and that’s change.”

Link to the complete story.