Jeff Daniels

RUDIN ON THE SPOT: SPOTCO LAWSUIT TURNS TO DEPOSITIONS

July 14, 2022 by Philip Boroff

EXCLUSIVE: With the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird adjourned indefinitely, a real-life court battle between its producer in exile and original advertising agency is heating up.

Scott Rudin, who’s kept a low profile following reports about his volcanic temper and bullying of employees, must answer questions under oath by Aug. 31 about his financial relationship with the theater ad agency SpotCo, according to filings in New York Supreme Court. The video deposition would be made public only if it’s introduced as evidence in SpotCo’s lawsuit against Rudin and entities he controlled.Continue Reading

A NERD’S GUIDE TO THE 2019 TONY NOMINATIONS

April 30, 2019 by Philip Boroff

Santino Fontana & Lilli Cooper/Matthew Murphy

It’s been a few years since an old-fashioned mainstream comedy won best musical at the Tony Awards. Tootsie could change that.

Its primary challenger appears to be the acclaimed New Orleans-infused folk opera Hadestown. But don’t count out the thriving Temptations musical, Ain’t Too Proud, or the inclusive comedy The Prom.Continue Reading

BROADWAY HAS RICHEST THANKSGIVING IN HISTORY

November 26, 2018 by Philip Boroff

Broadway sold $43 million of tickets in the week ending on Sunday, up 10 percent from a year ago for its best Thanksgiving ever.

In an ugly week for stocks but fine one for tourism and premium pricing, most shows bounced, especially musicals that performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.Continue Reading

RUDIN SEEKS TO SILENCE ANGELS

November 3, 2016 by Philip Boroff

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 17: Scott Rudin during the 2016 New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards at 54 Below on May 17, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Walter McBride/Getty Images) — Scott Rudin at the 2016 Drama Critics’ Circle Awards. Walter McBride/Getty

EXCLUSIVE: While expanding Broadway’s boundaries, Scott Rudin is reining in his investors.

The daring and powerful producer is requiring backers to sign away their right to criticize him and the plays and musicals that they’re capitalizing. The unusual provision appears in recent prospectuses obtained by Broadway Journal. It prohibits investors from making “negative remarks orally or in writing in any medium,” including social media, about him, his show or his business practices.