A virtual reading for the new best-selling illustrated children’s book Broadway Baby, written by theatre operator and producer Russell Miller (Guys & Dolls, Blood Brothers, Paramour, On The Town) with Judith A. Proffer.
As theatre dreams of its next opening night, a new children’s book celebrates the excitement of musicals and the spirit of the theatre community!
West End and Broadway operator and producer Russell Miller (Guys & Dolls, Blood Brothers, Paramour, On The Town) is the author of the new stage-centric illustrated children’s book BROADWAY BABY, released by Meteor 17 Books – just in time for Christmas.
Russell Miller’s new illustrated children’s book Broadway Baby, following a young dreamer on their journey to the stage, is now available in the U.S. for pre-order exclusively on PlaybillStore.com. A portion of the sales will go to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and customers will receive a free gift with each purchase.
As this cheeky tyke dreams of becoming a Broadway star, readers venture from the crib to the playground to the heart of New York City, with nods to many elements that make live theatre so special. “You get a glimpse of the stage, front of house, audiences...it’s a VIP journey that's more than just the performance elements,” says Miller.
Kick start your holiday season with Playbill’s holiday gift guide. It might seem early—but with major shipping delays expected, we’re getting a jump on everything you need to surprise the theatre lover in your family or friend circle this year.
With everything from playing cards to books, small mementos and ornaments, here are our top picks to give—or add to your wishlist—this season. (Just click the product name to purchase.)
Okay, Broadway is shut down right now. That doesn’t stop us from dreaming about attending a Broadway show. And guess what? It doesn’t stop kids from dreaming about becoming a Broadway star. In fact, bedroom and backyard theatricals may be more popular than ever! In that spirit, Broadway operator and producer Russell Miller joined forces with Judith A. Proffer and illustrator Yoko Matsuoka to create the new picture book “Broadway Baby.”
Broadway Baby – Just in time to get a jump on your holiday shopping comes a new children’s book for theater-lovers of all ages, in a limited hardback edition from Meteor 17, available exclusively from PlaybillStore.com. When theater operator and producer Russell Miller (Guys & Dolls, Blood Brothers, Paramour, On The Town) couldn’t find a Broadway-themed gift for his producing partner’s newborn daughter, he decided to create one of his own.
Theater operator and producer Russell Miller (Guys & Dolls, Blood Brothers, Paramour, On The Town) is the author of the new stage-centric illustrated children’s book BROADWAY BABY, released by Meteor 17 Books for the 2020 holiday season.
A special hardcover limited edition of BROADWAY BABY is available now in the U.S. exclusively through the Playbill Store. A portion of proceeds from sales of the special edition will be donated to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. UK readers can purchase the book exclusively through www.broadwaybabybook.com, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Theatre Artists Fund.
Russell Miller has spent a lifetime in the theater, working in London’s West End and on Broadway. His role has usually been at the gritty end of making things work, setting up the operations and commercial infrastructure of theaters and production.
When he went in search of a theater-related present for a producer friend’s young child, he couldn’t find a gift that resonated. So he decided to create something himself. The result is “Broadway Baby”, an illustrated children’s book that plots the journey of a young dreamer from cradle to stage.
With most theatres still shuttered and everyone missing live performances, there’s no better time for a book like Broadway Baby – which captures the excitement of the stage and the spirit of the theatre community – to arrive.
We chatted with theatre stalwart Russell Miller, who created the delightful new children’s story. Having been involved in theatre operations and producing shows like Guys & Dolls, Blood Brothers, Paramour, On The Town and many more in the West End and on Broadway for over 25 years, Broadway Baby was his chance to highlight all the things that make live theatre so special. A true labour of love, he worked closely with publisher, writer and musical theatre buff Judith Proffer as well as award-winning illustrator Yoko Matsuoka to see the tome born.
"As theatre dreams of its next opening night, a new children's book celebrates the excitement of musicals and the spirit of the theatre community." West End and Broadway operator and producer Russell Miller — who is perhaps best known for productions of Guys & Dolls, Paramour, Blood Brothers, and On the Town — is the author of a new, stagey, illustrated children's book entitled Broadway Baby, released by Meteor 17 Books just in time for the holiday season.
Russell Miller is a man who loves theatre – he lives and breathes the live experience – and, although, he has risen to the very top of his profession, he has never harboured any desire to be a star trapped in the spotlight.
Instead, he has relished every opportunity to immerse himself in a rich, colourful backstage life starting as an assistant stage manager for Apollo Theatres at the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe, rising through the ranks until he ended up running seven American theatres on Broadway for the Ambassador Theatres Group. Prior to his departure for the USA, he ran two West End Theatres (the Phoenix and the Piccadilly) before becoming divisional general manager for the Ambassadors Group in London overseeing nine theatres in the capital before moving to Lords Cricket Ground to deliver the archery competition for the 2012 Olympics.
To celebrate the launch of the book (on sale from 19 October), we are giving you a chance to WIN 1 of the 5 books gifted to us. All you need to do is complete the short form below by 31 October 2020! Good luck!
Russell Miller (LI:@russellmiller)(Theatre operator and Producer) has over 25 years professional experience running large and prolific commercial theatres, sports and entertainment venues.As a Senior Business Director, he has been responsible for 12 regional UK theatres and 10 West End Theatres in London – the largest group in London for the world’s largest theatre owner/operator.Russell has overseen notable productions including the West End revival of “Guys & Dolls” with Ewan McGregor and Patrick Swayze.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative and the Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts. Broadway Cares also awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., providing lifesaving medication, healthy meals, counseling and emergency assistance.
For further details on how you can help email: info@nullbroadwaycares.org
or visit our website: broadwaycares.org
The Theatre Artists Fund has been set up to provide emergency support for theatre workers and freelancers across the UK. It is for theatre professionals who are in need of urgent and critical financial support due to the devastating impact of Covid-19 on the theatre sector.
Thank you to all our donors, and especially our headline supporters Netflix, The Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Saunders, Backstage Trust and Arts Council England.
We invite industry figures, corporations, charitable trusts and individual theatre-goers alike who care deeply about the future of the theatre industry in the UK to donate.
The more donations we receive, the more people we can help through this difficult time.
Our ambition for the fund is to provide short-term relief to hundreds of theatre workers and freelancers across the UK, and particularly those from underrepresented groups disproportionately affected by the crisis.
For further details on how you can help email: theatreartistsfund@nullsoltukt.co.uk
or visit: theatreartists.fund
