Saving Tony Nominated FOR COLORED GIRLS

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Following the viral grassroots social media campaign and insider efforts to keep Broadway’s 2022 Tony-nominated production of FOR COLORED GIRLS from closing early, the show’s producer Ron Simons talks about behind the scenes and the show, as well as what it takes to save a Broadway production.

Ron is the most Tony Award-winning Black Producer in history. He is also leading the historic Broadway effort to bring in people of color to tell stories of Black history, culture, and experience. The new closing date follows seven Tony nominations that the production received earlier this week, including Best Revival of a Play.

Regarded as Broadway’s “best-kept secret,” Ron is working to change theater forever at this pivotal point in history, as he shapes what stories are told on Broadway. At the same time, he works to open doors for more people of color to work as producers. Shockingly, there are only 6 Black producers working on Broadway, as well as himself working to change that statistic by mentoring people of color to discover roles behind the scenes. According to Ron, if we want more diverse stories, more representative casting, and more inclusive staff, it begins with producers.

Ron has helped lead the creation of Black Theater United’s “New Deal For Broadway,” setting out a manifesto that outlines reforms that are short-term — that were to be implemented before Broadway reopened this fall — as well as long-term over the next few years.

With over 20 years of experience, Ron Simons has a track record of pioneering diversity on the stage, including:

First Black Broadway producer to win 4 Tony Awards (also to earn 5 Tony nominations)
First Black producer to lead produce three black shows to Broadway
Produced first Black show with all creative leads as women of color (New Broadway production of For Colored Girls)
Producing the first TWO Black Broadway shows to feature Black producers, Black writer, Black director, and Black cast
Only Black producer to make four films premiering at Sundance (three in competition)

As CEO & President of SimonSays Entertainment, Ron Simons produced Tony award-winning and nominated productions including Jitney (Produced with John Legend, Won Tony for Best Play Revival), Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations (12 Tony nominations including Best Musical), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Tony Award for Best Musical), Porgy & Bess (Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Tony Award for Best Play) and more. Ron’s legendary career as Broadway’s most influential and prolific African American producer focuses on inspiring narratives about underrepresented minority communities.

For additional details on Ron Simons’ storied career and Broadway projects, please visit www.simonsaysentertainment.com.