THE YORK THEATER COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM

The York Theatre Company–now in its 55th year–has chosen Joseph Hayward to serve as Interim Producing Artistic Director, and Debra Walton, to serve as the Interim Associate Artistic Director, its press rep, Richard Hillman, has announced.

The York, which is dedicated to musical theater–past, present, and future–has had a highly celebrated  track record. It’s only had two leaders in its entire history–Janet Hayes Walker (who founded it), and longtime head James Morgan, who recently retired, leaving some mighty big shoes to fill. Theater buffs have been wondering who will be heading the company next.

Joseph Hayward

“I’m honored to step into the role of Interim Producing Artistic Director and continue serving the company I love,” said Joseph Hayward. “I’m indebted to Jim Morgan and our founder, Janet Hayes Walker, whose visions built this remarkable institution, now in its 55th year. And in the great tradition of our marvelous ‘Musicals in Mufti’ series, we will honor the past and reimagine it for today. An exciting new chapter begins, and we welcome one and all to the ‘new’ York Theatre Company.“

Hayward has been part of the York Theatre Company for the past four years, serving as Associate Producing Director under the guidance of Jim Morgan. Heyward served as an assistant director on “Cagney,” one of York’s biggest hits. He soon became an Associate Director on multiple York productions before moving on to direct shows of his own, including “How to Steal an Election” “Liz Callaway…Their Story Goes On” and “Remembering Jerry Herman with Lee Roy Reams.”

Debra Walton

Debra Walton is a Broadway actor, director, and producer with a career spanning stage and production roles. At The York Theatre, she has starred in numerous productions, including “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope,” “Storyville,” and the upcoming “Welcome to the Big Dipper.” (Some of us older theater-goers happily remember her playing young Alberta Hunter–singing “My Castle’s Rockin'” and “I’m Hard to Satisfy,” and working a spot-on impression of Louis Armstrong into her performance–in “Cookin’ at the Cookery” some 20 or so years ago. She got a Drama Desk nomination for that performance, too.)

“I don’t take stepping into this role at this moment lightly,” said Walton. “I do it with very specific goals in mind. The York has been my artistic home for several years, and I look forward to helping expand its vision. Creating a space that cultivates stories celebrating and reflecting our community.”

James Morgan

About Debra Walton, David McCoy, the York’s Board Chairman, said: “We are excited to announce the appointment of these two highly talented and innovative individuals to build on the York’s extraordinary body of work. Their appointment is in the best tradition at The York of giving highly talented artists the opportunity to succeed, while continuing the company’s long-standing commitment to diversity in all its forms, showcased beautifully in its many productions such as “Lost in the Stars,” “Blind Lemon Blues,” “Midnight at the Never Get,” “Storyville,” “Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope,” “Hallelujah, Baby,” “Texas in Paris,” and many others.