BWW Interviews: JIM VAGIAS and American Theater Group

American Theater Group (ATG) is the new professional theater company in New Jersey that is getting great buzz. They have already staged several successful seasons at the Union County Performing Arts Center's Hamilton Stage in Rahway and they are in the midst of their exciting 2014-2015 season.

ATG's past shows have included hits like Character Man by Jim Brochu and stunning musicals presentations like Marry Harry. Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director, James Vagias spoke to us about ATG, their plans for the future and his own fascinating career in theater.

Vagias was the Executive Producer of the American Stage Company (ASC) in Teaneck, New Jersey for nine years and produced more than 40 productions including 12 world premieres, many of which went on to later acclaim, such as the hit off-Broadway musical, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. In addition, he has worked with New York City commercial producers and served as a magic consultant for Broadway shows. He has been a member of the panel of ASCAP Musical Theater Workshop, and is also the founder of Educational Productions that has produced motivational school assemblies for over half a million students. Vagias was also an attorney for Screen Actors Guild and Actors Equity. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at Montclair University and lives in New Jersey with his wife and daughter.

When speaking about ATG, Vagias is quick to acknowledge and compliment the work of his "very talented partners," Rick Sordelet and Joe Mancuso. "Rick and Joe were instrumental in getting ATG off the ground - they were there from day one." He also noted that ATG's Board of Directors, under the inspirational leadersip of former Rahway Mayor Jim Kennedy, includes an array of impressive members, including two state senators, Tony Award winning actors, a Broadway director and other various leaders in their respective fields. Vagias commented, "The board has been an essential element to the company's success."

Vagias has always loved theater himself and recalled some of his early memories of attending performances including seeing Oliver on Broadway when he was 8 years old. He also fondly recalled seeing the holiday stage shows and movie presentations at Radio City Music Hall. The Music Man was one of his favorites and he had the honor to meet its star, Robert Preston many years later.

Vagias left the practice of law over twenty years ago to pursue his theatrical interests. He spoke with great pride about ATG. "It is a production company with real heart. We hope that the quality of the pieces we produce speak for themselves." Vagias is also very pleased to be able to have their shows at the Hamilton Stage. "Rahway has a proven commitment to the arts. It is a great location to have a theater with state of the art capabilities. Rahway is accessible by mass transit and by car making it easy to bring in the best in talent and attract a great audience." He also complimented the mayor of Rahway, Samson Steinman who has been very supportive of the arts community.

ATG's next show is a musical tick, tick ... Boom by Jonathon Larson, the creator of Rent. The show weaves an unforgettable spell in this passionate, funny and uplifting musical about a struggling artist who is trying to keep it all together; his girlfriend, his childhood buddy and turning thirty while trying to write the next great American Musical. The production will begin rehearsals on January 13th. It will open on January 28th and run through February 8th.

For more information about American Theater Group and their upcoming shows, visit their web site at www.americantheatergroup.org.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of American Theater Group

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