Backstage Spotlight: A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage

Meet producer Todd Gershwin and get your tickets for this family-friendly holiday show running November 25-December 29!

What inspired you to become a theater maker and producer?

Growing up in New York City I was exposed to Broadway and musical theater at a very young age. I always had a passion for how theater has the ability to entertain and inspire people, and being a part of that process was something that intrigued and inspired me. 

What kind of education or experience prepared you for this career?

My initial professional experience was focused on live sports events, which definitely helped prepare me for a career in theater. There are a lot of similarities between live sporting events and theater, including marketing, ticket sales, budgeting, and of course, the magic of the live event. 

What school subjects that our students may be studying do you use everyday?

I am a big believer in the importance of communication related classes. I feel that public speaking and writing classes are very important. 

Can you describe your role as a producer? How do you help make the production happen?

Though every production is different, my role usually includes building a team that is tailored to the specific needs of the production, and then helping to support those individuals throughout the entire process.  

This is a brand new adaptation of the Charlie Brown Christmas story! What excites you about this updated version of the story?

I am particularly excited to watch the ultra- talented professionals at Orlando Family Stage put their spin on such classic and timeless production.  I can’t wait to see the amazing Orlando actors, as well as the important contributions of the designers, artistic staff, crew, stage management and everyone else at Orlando Family Stage who helped to create this production.

Charlie Brown feels sad during the play. When you are feeling sad, how do you help yourself feel better? How do you help your friends feel better if they are sad?

If I feel sad, I find it always helps make me feel better when I am surrounded by family.  And of course the best thing would be to see an upbeat fun musical with my family! 

Linus says that the tree Charlie Brown got ‘just needed a little love.’ What have you made better by giving a little love?

Hopefully my two smart, beautiful, creative daughters, though I guess you’d have to ask them. 

This production will tour around the country this holiday season. What is different about your work on a touring show than a show that just performs in one city?

The key components to both types of productions are very similar in terms of needing talented professionals who work closely together as a team.  In terms of comparing tours and shows that only perform in one city, the biggest difference is that the venues are different every night including the stage, wings, backstage, etc., so the entire team needs to be flexible and adapt as needed in each venue. 

What are three words you would use to describe this production? 

Friendship.  Fun. Memorable. 

Todd Gershwin is a successful producer and entertainment executive with a diverse background in music, theater, marketing and live events. Todd is currently the CEO of Gershwin Entertainment Corporation, which develops and produces successful theatrical productions, concerts and tours for numerous iconic brands. Touring projects have included A Charlie Brown Christmas, Tony Award winning Broadway hit musical Million Dollar Quartet, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer the Musical, American Rhapsody, the Golden Age of Broadway and A Night With Janis Joplin. Gershwin’s productions have played at leading venues throughout North America such as Madison Square Garden, Ravinia, Wolftrap, multiple Broadway theaters, Arena Stage, the Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater and the Pasadena Playhouse.

Previous theatrical projects include the international musical hit An American in Paris, Born for This with gospel superstar BeBe Winans, ‘S Wonderful, Here to Stay, and the Tony award winning family spectacular Blast. Todd has also produced a number of recorded media projects including the Broadway cast album of A Night With Janis Joplin with famed music producer Russ Titelman and an all-star recording project with the late legendary music producer Phil Ramone.  

Todd spent three years as the Director of Marketing and Events at St. John’s University, where he managed relationships with key institutional partners such as Madison Square Garden, Nike, Pepsi, and Gatorade.

Todd graduated with a B.A. in Management & Communications from the University of Michigan, which awarded him with its Alumni Career Achievement Award. Todd lives in Rye, New York with his wife and two daughters.