JAMES MORGAN STEPS DOWN AS HEAD OF THE YORK THEATRE

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An Appreciation by CHIP DEFFAA

James Morgan has stepped down as Producing Artistic Director of   the York Theatre Company. For decades, he’s given us a wealth of great  James Morgan

theatrical productions, and all of us who love musical theater have benefitted from his contributions. Oh, I’m not saying that every production presented by the York has been a masterpiece; that’s not the way life works. But the overall track record of the York under Jim Morgan’s leadership–year after year, decade after decade–has been terrific. 

I’ve been enjoying shows at the York since the beginning. The York has a unique role in the theater world. It is dedicated 100% to musicals. It presents new musicals, it revives old musicals. It celebrates major musical-theater performers and writers.

The York has done what it does so very well for so very long, some people may take it for granted. But that’s a mistake. Morgan deserves credit–lots of credit–simply for keeping seats filled, for keeping revenue coming in, year after year–while maintaining high standards. That’s a very challenging task. You can’t please everybody, no matter what you do. And some mistakes will inevitably be made from time to time; stuff happens.

But Jim’s chosen plenty of shows (such as “The Musical of Musicals” and “Cagney”) that have gone on to notable commercial success after starting out at the not-for-profit York Theatre. He’s taken chances, presenting musicals with unexpected themes (“Yanks,” for example, was a trailblazer in dealing with gay men in the military). He’s presented revised revivals of some musicals–like “So Long, 174th Street” (by Stan Daniels and Joseph Stein) and “The Rothschilds” (by Bock & Harnick, and Sherman Yellen)–that arguably worked better than the original productions. 

I’m remembering artists who did some of their best work at the York, such as Sharon McNight, portraying Sophie Tucker in “Red Hot Mama.” And Max Morath in “Ragtime and Again.”  And I’m thinking of the way the York celebrated masters of  the Great American Songbook, shining new lights on familiar figures (such as Cole Porter, viasuch York productions as “Porterphiles” and “Love, Linda: the Life of Mrs. Cole Porter.”

Jim Morgan  knows everyone in the business. And he’s gotten countess great artists to donate their services, at one time or another, to help raise funds for the York. A few years ago, when the York was hurting due to the pandemic and assorted other challenges (like a burst water main that flooded their space), it looked like the York might not survive. But Jim got seemingly everyone  in the business to pitch in for a gala fundraiser. The artists that Jim and his associates gathered for that gala in 2021 included: Audra McDonald, Betty Buckley, Andre Deshields, Chita Rivera, Patti LuPone, Matthew Broderick, Joel Grey, Anthony Rapp, John Tartaglia, Amanda Green, Richard Kind, Charles Busch, Christine Pedi, Alexandra Billings, and Iain Armitage. Even Hilary Rodham Clinton chose to be part of the fundraising drive. And all of that reflects well on him.

Jim was also very good at getting ordinary people to donate money to the York. While warmly welcoming audiences to the theater, he gently worked in fund-raising pitches. He also could do seemingly any job needed, to help keep the York going–from painting sets to mopping up after the flood.

It saddened me to receive the press release from Richard Hillman Public Relations announcing that Jim Morgan is stepping down. Jim’s overall track record is exceptional. He leaves some mighty big shoes to fill.

Notables from New York’s performing arts community have been quick to express their appreciation for Morgan online:  

Playwright Sherman Yellen commented: “Jim was a force for good work in a theater that was more and more dedicated to the big bucks and star turn. Working in his theater was a delight — what a mix of wonderful people onstage and in the audience. Jim managed to attract the best of writers and actors — it was theater as theater was meant to be — stripped down to the truth of human experience. He will be sorely missed.”

Singer/actress Julie Reyburn commented: “Jim Morgan  IS the York.”

Producer/performer Randie Levine Miller noted:  “Jim has put his life’s blood, creativity, heart, soul and passion into the York for decades… His dedication and brilliance at running the theater is unparalleled. I am in a state of shock as Jim is the York and has been since Janet [Walker] passed. His shoes will be hard to fill… I send love and gratitude to Jim for accomplishing all that he has and I will miss his warm welcomes On stage at opening nights and other nights too.”

Alexandra Billings wrote: “His leadership was joyful and truly a miracle.”

Playwright/producer June Rachelson Ospa hailed Morgan as “an amazing leader for

all in the business and creativity of theater.” 

Broadway’s Judy Blazer wrote: “Bravo for ALL you have done, Jim! The York Theater has been your child for so so long and Janet Walker was on your shoulder. You did her proud! A million congratulations on decades of huge accomplishment and devotion to theater. Now you can sleep in!”