Birth Place: Syracuse, New York, USA
Richard Jay-Alexander began his theatrical career in 1977 in the original cast of the Broadway play, ZOOT SUIT, appearing thereafter in the original Broadway cast of AMADEUS, which led to his being engaged as Associate Director of the National Touring Companies of that Tony Award-winning Play. He also staged AMADEUS in Santiago, Chile, in Spanish, in which he is fluent. However, he is probably best known for his association with Producer Cameron Mackintosh, having served as Executive Director of Mr. Mackintosh's American company for ten years, running its day-to-day operations in North America. Richard first came to Mr. Mackintosh's attention as stage manager/dance captain of his Broadway revival of OLIVER! and stage manager/assistant director of his Broadway production of SONG & DANCE, which is where he met Bernadette Peters.
Shortly thereafter, he became both Associate Director and Executive Producer of the original Broadway, touring and Canadian companies of LES MISERABLES, staging more than a dozen productions of that Musical, reaching around the globe. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA followed, and then MISS SAIGON, for which Richard was Executive Producer for the original Broadway, touring and Canadian companies. He also served as Executive Producer and Associate Director for Broadway's FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE and was Executive Producer of its Grammy-nominated original cast recording. Richard subsequently produced recordings for Ms. Peters (LIVE FROM CARNEGIE HALL, RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN, both Grammy-nominated), Johnny Mathis (ON BROADWAY) and Mary Cleere Haran and co-wrote the liner notes for Barbra Streisand's THE MOVIE ALBUM and the DVD boxed set of her first 5 television specials. Richard has written lyrics for several Walt Disney Records projects, including LILO AND STITCH Island Favorites. He was appointed Executive Producer of Playbill Records and helped to launch the label’s debut recording, Brian Stokes Mitchell’s first solo offering, as well as the re-discovered Betty Buckley recording titled (and recorded in) 1967 and her QUINTESSENCE. For film, Richard created the musical staging for Sony Classics' BOSSA NOVA, after having appeared in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, ALL THAT JAZZ, and a slew of commercials and soap operas. Richard directed the off-Broadway play, A SAFE HARBOR FOR ELIZABETH BISHOP, starring Amy Irving, at the Primary Stages Theatre and has worked with some of the world's greatest entertainers, including Bette Midler (KISS MY BRASS Tour), Barbra Streisand (TIMELESS Tour and the most recent STREISAND Tours of the U.S and Europe, also serving as a co-writer), Ricky Martin, Polly Bergen, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lea Salonga, Sam Harris, Rosie O’Donnell, Hayley Westenra, Mary Cleere Haran, Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker, Will & Anthony Nunziata, Betty Buckley, Johnny Mathis, Debby Boone, Jane Monheit, Lea Michele, Julie Andrews, Russell Watson and Bernadette Peters, the latter two having also been telecast on PBS.
He also directed the multi-media extravaganza, STORM, at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas and the workshop production of the Broadway-bound musical based on GREAT EXPECTATIONS (starring Cloris Leachman), as well as a number of commercials and videos. The last two summers have found him at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, where he directed star-studded productions of LES MISERABLES and GUYS & DOLLS, the latter having the distinction of being choreographed by Donna McKechnie. He was recently in the studio with Melissa Errico finishing her highly anticipated Michel Legrand recording and is putting finishing touches on a TV Special and DVD for Bernadette, which was filmed in Australia, and recently celebrated a #1 DVD release of Barbra Streisand’s recent appearance at The Village Vanguard, which promoted her latest #1 album, LOVE IS THE ANSWER. He also produced Melora Hardin’s debut CD. He continues his work with Brian Stokes Mitchell in concert and Ms. Peters, helming her BROADWAY BARKS BECAUSE BROADWAY CARES, which sold-out Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre and raised money for the organization and Pet Shelters. For BroadwayWorld.com he directed ANDREA McARDLE at JOE’S PUB, STANDING OVATIONS IV – FROM STAGE TO SCREEN AND BACK AGAIN and BROADWAYWORLD ON ICE. At the end of 2009 Richard found himself in a “dream-come-true” situation. He was asked to direct I DO! I DO! by real-life married couple (and actors) Patrick Page and Paige Davis for The Old Globe in San Diego. He has always been a Schmidt & Jones fan and the first production he ever put his name or mark on had been THE FANTASTICKS. In addition, Mr. Jones attended the premiere. A native of Syracuse, NY, Richard holds a B.A. in Theatre and Music from SUNY at Oswego and is the recipient of that University's first Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts. He is also a proud Board member of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and has been an active supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Florida. Richard has also taught Master Classes on Theatre, Musical Theatre, Auditioning, Acting in Musicals, Directing and Producing. He currently shares his residences in Miami, New York and Los Angeles with his perfect dog, JoJo, who isn't the least bit impressed with any of it.
From: Photo Flash: Lea Michele Makes Her Sold Out LA Upright Cabaret Debut
After producing one of L.A.'s most popular annual cabaret events for the last 26 years, prolific cabaret producer Clifford Bell brings a new Palm Springs version of the popular event to the Coachella Valley on Monday, May 6th, 2024 at 7 pm; just in time to celebrate Barbra Streisand's April 24th birthday.
Hugh Panaro will bring Man Without A Mask to Crazy Coqs this September. Performances are set for 7-8 September 2024.
In addition to cocktails in a glamorous setting, another beautiful gourmet dinner, live music, an auction, a raffle and other moments of merriment, there was heart, 'Miles And Miles and Miles of Heart.'
Leave it to Marilynn Wick to utilize the talents of Hugh Panaro by booking him into her Museum Supper Club AND putting him into Saturday Night’s 10th Anniversary Gala of the popular theatre and venue, in Boca Raton, FL.
Hugh Panaro brought MAN WITHOUT A MASK to 54 Below. Check out photos from the evening!
Broadway leading man and BroadwayWorld favorite Hugh Panaro will hit the 54 Below stage tonight, March 6, at 7pm to celebrate his release of his first ever live CD, Hugh Panaro: Man Without A Mask.
The packed to capacity audience was itself a glittering sea of sequins when the COUNTESS CABARET STARRING LUANN DE LESSEPS at 54 Below took the stage on February 2, 2024. The whole evening seemed to be one big party as much as a performance!
See some photos from Luann de Lessep's concert last night at 54 Below. The singer is back for two more nights, tonight (February 2nd) and tomorrow (February 3rd). Check out photos from inside the big night!
54 Below will welcome back Broadway leading man Hugh Panaro on March 6 at 7pm. Hugh Panaro: Man Without A Mask will celebrate the recent release of Hugh's first-ever CD.
Celebrate Valentine's Day at 54 Below with Countess Luann, Alton Fitzgerald White, A Broadway Valentine's Day, and more! Learn how to purchase tickets!
RHONY star Countess Luann de Lesseps is making her return to 54 Below for a series of special shows, before launching her new 'Marry, F, Kill' act. BroadwayWorld sat down with Luann de Lesseps to discuss what to expect from the new cabaret show, working with Sonja Morgan on their Crappie Lake spin-off, and if Broadway could still be in the cards.
Winners have been announced for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! The 2023 Cabaret Awards honor excellence in NYC's Cabaret Community for events which took place between October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023.
54 Below will welcome back Broadway legend Norm Lewis on June 6-8 & 10-12 at 7pm. Learn more about the performance and find out how to get tickets here!
Happy New Year from everyone at BroadwayWorld. Well, here’s a story you won’t find anywhere else after we spoke with Broadway favorite, Hugh Panaro, over the holiday weekend when we heard about the unexpected surprise event that occurred, as we were all ringing in the new year.
It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Check out photos from The New York Pops' The Best Christmas of All featuring Norm Lewis here!
A Hit in Hallmark, Lisa Howard gives the holiday cabaret genre an original idea.
Lisa Howard has created something so special for the Holiday Season, that it’s almost impossible to describe. You must go see this unique feast for the eyes and ears and it will truly lift your spirits. Check out the photos here!
There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
Broadway World Cabaret gets photographic content from some of the best shutterbugs in the business. Here's a look at some of the captures they've shared with us.
Richard Jay-Alexander has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.
Richard Jay-Alexander has not appeared in the West End.
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