Christopher Massimine Named New Producing Director and Chief Executive Officer of National Yiddish Theatre –Folksbiene

At age 27, Christopher Massimine is the youngest theater executive to oversee the business activities of a major multimillion dollar theatrical organization as newly appointed Producing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The National Yiddish Theatre - Folksbiene. Previously holding the positions of its Chief Marketing Officer and General Manager, Massimine will take lead on the Folksbiene's forthcoming musical production LIES MY FATHER TOLD ME, a critical success in Canada making its American debut at Baruch Performing Arts Center on November 10 and running through December 15.

Based on the works of Ted Allan and the Academy-Award-winning, Golden-Globe-winning film of the same name, LIES MY FATHER TOLD ME is scored with lyrics by up-and-coming Canadian composer/lyricist Elan Kunin with the book adapted for the stage by Folksbiene's Executive Director Bryna Wasserman, who also serves as the show's director. Music Direction is by music theater veteran Michael Larsen, Choreography by Merete Muenter, and Music Supervision by Folksbiene Artistic Director Zalmen Mlotek.

The Folksbiene's largest undertaking, this new musical, ambitious for the Off Broadway stage, entails a cast of 22, orchestra of 14, revolving multi-level set, and a team of over 40 production affiliates. Massimine will be charged with overseeing the bottom line, marketing/advertising, strategic media and corporate sponsorship, and running the day-to-day operational administration of the company and its productions.

"His creativity and ingenuity is through the roof", says Wasserman. "Having this up-and-coming talent serve as our Producing Director and Chief Executive Officer is truly exciting, especially as we close in on our 2015 Centenary Celebration. The thoughtful energy Chris brings to the table is fully complimented by his drive to succeed. Once a direction is chosen, he immediately moves on it tactfully and does not call it a day until the job is done. I couldn't be more happy to have him helm this monumental production and guide the Folksbiene's operations."

Though young, the Tony Award nominated producer (American Idiot) is a veteran of the Broadway and Off Broadway stage having worked in management capacities on productions including Wishful Drinking, 700 SUNDAYS, THE SENSUAL WOMAN, EVERYDAY RAPTURE, WEST SIDE STORY, THE SAFARI PARTY, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. His producing credits range from award-winning Festival productions, such as the 2011 FringeNYC hit THE DAY THE SKY TURNED BLACK, to regional enhancements like Barter Theatre's CIVIL WAR VOICES, one of the highest-grossing productions in the theater's history, to Off Broadway's Highline Ballroom concert of HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, and Andrew Lippa's WELCOME TO THE WORLD at The Players Theatre. As a musical theater creator, his musical (book, lyrics, and music) LOVERS appeared Off Broadway at the Beckett Theater in the summer of 2010, produced by Ruben Brache and Jason Goldstein.

In marketing and business development Massimine's past experiences include work with performance artists such as Mary J. Blige, Billy Crystal, Carrie Fisher, Kings of Leon, Jenny Lewis, John Mayer, Amy Winehouse, Jason Mraz (Massimine oversaw Mraz's 2008 radio campaign of re-release hit the single "I'm Yours", which holds the air record for longest top-chart radio play in history); to developing high-impact award-winning international product campaigns for Old Spice, Dos Equis, AdRoll, and Swimwear Designer Caitlin Kelly; to consulting with companies such as Mercedes, Intel, Activision, and ZeniMax Media, where he was a top specialist on the promotional campaigns of Capcom's Resident Evil 5 and 6.

Previous to his work with the Folksbiene, some of Massimine's other past theatrical positions include Marketing Director at Flea Theater (where he oversaw the sold-out marketing campaign for Sean Graney's THESE SEVEN SICKNESSES), Marketing Director at White Plains Performing Arts Center, Managing Director for the producing organization Theater Resources Unimited, and General Manager at Origin Theatre.