Garth Drabinsky Opens Up About Time in Prison and Returning to the Theatre as a Producer

As reported by BroadwayWorld, equal parts infamous and revered Broadway producer Garth Drabinsky is following up his stint in prison with a new musical, Sousatzka, starring Victoria Clark, Montego Glover, and Judy Kaye. The production is set for an out-of-town tryout in Toronto this winter, before taking a bow on Broadway in fall 2017.

In a new, in-depth feature with The Toronto Star, Drabinsky covers his plans for returning to the theatrical world, and shares his thoughts about his past financial indiscretions as a producer and business owner. Although once one of the most powerful producers on Broadway-having steered the likes of Phantom of the Opera, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Ragtime-Drabinsky began facing charges for fraud in the late 90s. Although he initially evaded charges, his actions eventually led to a 17-month, recently completed, prison sentence.

Drabinsky used his time in jail wisely, however, and spent the months creating backstories and the framework for his new musical, Sousatzka. Although it remains unclear whether Drabinsky will be able to return to the United States for the Broadway production, the producer plans to attend the Toronto opening, and asserts that his return to theatre has been a "breathtaking" experience: "To be making calls, even to agents again, about certain actors and for an agent in New York to say to me, 'It's so wonderful to hear your voice again, it's so wonderful to be able to be talking talent with you again,' it fills one's heart," Drabinsky told The Star.

While many remain cautious about Drabinsky being given the reins to a major Broadway musical, in light of his past, several members of the theatre community have stepped forward in support, including the musical's slated star, Tony Winner Victoria Clark. "It does make you pause, I'm not going to lie," the Broadway star revealed, but she went on to express her faith in the power of change: "You think, 'Oh, he's had this history and this is probably something we should think about for a minute.' But I also believe people can change and they can learn from mistakes and it's important for us to see people for who they are in the present tense and appreciate them for not just for their triumphs but for their mistakes."

The novel MADAME SOUSATZKA, upon which the new musical Sousatzka is based, centers on a renowned Russian piano teacher, Irina Sousatzka, who gets a new student -- Bengali piano prodigy Manek. The pair quickly forms a bond over their immigrant backgrounds.

Following a stop at Toronto's Elgin Theatre from February 25th through April 9th, the show is expected to make its way to New York next October at a yet unannounced Broadway theater.

For the full Toronto Star article, click here.