Mike Isaacson, Fox to
work magic
with 2003-2004 Broadway series, other shows
by Daniel Hines
Publisher
America's Seniors/TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com
This year's promotional piece for The
Fabulous Fox in St. Louis features a flapper, dancing almost ghost-like in
the ornate lobby of The Fox.
It's an appropriate setting. The Fox
has become a premier location for theater-goers throughout the Midwest,
hosting a series of top productions. And, the flapper is a rendition of the
lead in Thoroughly Modern Millie dancing with a Tony in her hand.
It was, after all, Fox Theatricals that was
responsible for the introduction of Millie to the New York stage where it
rapidly became a favorite, so much so that it was the season's most-awarded
new show on Broadway.
And, while Millie will be an artistic and
personal triumph for Fox Theatricals, the rest of the season promises to be
one of the best seasons of a series of outstanding seasons...and once again,
Mike Isaacson, the vice-president for planning is a key to the magic of The
Fox.
We first met Mike three years ago.
He retains his youthful look and high energy, but through the years, he has
acquired a confidence based upon his successes at The Fox, including living
a dream come true last year when he was on stage for the Tony presentations.
He was instrumental in getting The Fox to
extend its run of shows, allowing attendance to increase tremendously.
And, he offers an insight into what audiences want that promises to hold
great rewards for audiences this season.
He likes shows with high energy, intensity
and memorable visual support. "It's what audiences demand," he says.
"We live in a highly visually oriented society, and audiences demand quality
productions."
He works with producers around the world,
and he brings his high standards to any consideration of shows for The Fox.
One example is "Jesus Christ, Superstar" , which is at The Fox May 25-June
6.
"Most people remember 'Superstar' from the
70s," he explains. "I saw a revival of it in West London, England, and was
overwhelmed by it...I knew I wanted it in St. Louis.
"But then, it moved to New York and for
some reason was completely revised. It wasn't the same show...and it
bombed.
"When I was talking to the producers about
it coming to St. Louis, I asked if we were getting the London production of
the New York Production...it was only when I was assured that we were
getting London that I agreed to book it."
In spite of his success, Mike has a humble
attitude, mingled with pride at being able to be a part of The Fox team.
"People ask about me moving to New
York...why should I, " he says. "Here I can do everything and even
more than in New York...I love what I am doing."
And, the audiences at The Fabulous Fox
love what Mike is doing.
Now,
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Mike Isaacson, Fox to
work magic
with 2003-2004 Broadway series, other shows