Shari Redstone’s Next Act: Broadway!

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As a theater enthusiast with a soft spot for productions that challenge the status quo and delve deep into the human psyche, I am absolutely thrilled to see Shari Redstone venturing into Broadway production with the thought-provoking play “Job.” Having been at the forefront of the media industry for decades, her experience in content creation will undoubtedly bring a unique perspective to this already captivating drama.

After finalizing the agreement to sell her Paramount shares, Shari Redstone plans to move on to a new venture – creating a Broadway play.

Redstone serves as a joint producer for the Broadway production of “Job,” penned by Max Wolf Friedlich, which commenced previews at the Hayes Theater on July 15, not long after the unveiling of her tumultuous Paramount deal. The play revolves around workplace drama, but it may only share similarities in this regard, as the performance is initiated by a young tech professional storming into a therapist’s office while waving a gun and insisting on a therapy session.

Jane, portrayed by Sydney Lemmon, must get approval from therapist Loyd (played by Peter Friedman) to resume work, which involves handling the grim aspects of the internet at a company similar to Meta. After experiencing a mental breakdown, she requires this clearance. However, as the play unfolds, it becomes evident that there might be more than just her return to work hanging in the balance during their session.

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in an extraordinary play, directed by none other than Michael Herwitz, which first debuted downtown at the SoHo Playhouse in the crisp fall of 2023. After gathering momentum, it moved to the Off-Broadway Connelly Theater for a chilly winter run. The climax came when it was announced that we would be gracing the stage of Broadway starting July 30. Quite a journey for this captivating performance!

Alex Levy, one of the main producers for the play, together with Hannah Getts, is not only involved in the production but also runs a communications company that includes Redstone as a client. According to Levy, Redstone watched the play at the Connelly Theater and afterwards contacted him expressing interest in helping take the play to Broadway.

Redstone is among several investors who have funded this stage production, with potential investment amounting up to $3 million as per the production’s details. Levy mentioned that he had sought her suggestions regarding the production as well.

“Levy stated that she’s been a dedicated fan of the program, showing great knowledge of its content. In fact, she often serves as one of my go-to advisors for brainstorming new ideas. Moreover, she’s been fantastic at promoting the show and convincing others to watch it. Plus, her influence is substantial,” Levy added.

A representative from Redstone expressed her enthusiasm about being involved with “Job” and looked forward to the successful previews, as this marks her debut as a Broadway producer.

Levy also plans to collaborate with Redstone on additional theater ventures to come. 

In the play, technology and social media frequently intrude into the storyline, interrupting Jane’s contemplations as she navigates her therapy session with snippets of sound clips and viral videos. They also disrupt the argumentative exchanges between Jane and Lloyd, who have opposing views on the role of technology in everyday life and engage in debates about various topics such as gentrification and social justice.

Investor Levy, among the initial backers of the Off-Broadway show titled “Job“, expressed his interest due to the play’s portrayal of contemporary work attitudes.

The series offers profound perspectives on contemporary life and work, and what particularly appeals to me is its dual nature – it’s a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing, yet it subtly imparts valuable insights that linger in your mind. (Levy)

The production often had no vacant seats at Off-Broadway shows and received positive criticism, boosting the producers’ determination to proceed with a Broadway performance.

As a theater enthusiast, I found myself deeply connected to the Off-Broadway production, particularly since it seemed to strike a chord with my fellow young audience members. According to Getts, this resonance can be attributed to Jane’s character and her relentless pursuit of meaning in her work, as well as the intense repercussions that such dedication can entail.

“Getts remarked about the complexity of considering both the millennial and Gen Z generations, especially since they’re navigating their respective careers or paths at this stage in life.”

Producers aim to ride the wave of popularity among the younger demographic by implementing several strategies such as collaborating with Kaia Gerber’s literature club. Gerber, who watched the Off-Broadway production, has also recently led a post-show discussion following the Broadway performance.

As an enthusiastic theatergoer, I’m thrilled to share that this summer’s production is breaking the traditional Broadway mold with its unique scheduling. Instead of the usual Wednesday matinee, we’ve got a Thursday double feature – one at 5 p.m. and another at 8:30 p.m. This thoughtful planning catches us before our weekend escapes and even leaves room for an evening meal reservation. Interestingly, they’re adopting the same schedule as “Oh Mary!”, a successful Off-Broadway hit that recently moved to Broadway.

The show “Job” is scheduled to run on Broadway until September 29th. There’s talk about staging it in London and other locations in the future. Since the play has a movie-like quality already, its creator, Getts who primarily works in film and TV, sees potential for a screen adaptation.

The producer adds, “I feel like it’s a little too early to say, but there’s definitely interest.”

I’ve been a dedicated reader of The Hollywood Reporter for quite some time now, and let me tell you, it never fails to deliver the latest scoops and insights about the entertainment industry. Just recently, an interesting story caught my eye in the July 31 issue – one that I think you might find intriguing too. If you’re curious about what goes on behind the scenes in Tinseltown, this magazine is definitely worth a subscription. Click here to subscribe and stay in the know!

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2024-07-31 15:55