THE TONY AWARD-winning producer behind such Broadway shows as Kinky Boots and It’s Only a Play is joining the creative team producing Something Like Summer.
A successful serial entrepreneur, Hunter Arnold has his own production company, TBD Theatricals, and is chief executive officer of the live arts technology company Artech LLC. He has brought a growing number of commercially successful and critically acclaimed shows to the New York stage.
Director J.T. Tepnapa added, “Hunter’s experience in producing musicals allows us to raise the quality of the music we will feature in Something Like Summer.”
For his part, Arnold is looking forward to harnessing the talent of singers Austin McKenzie (Ben) and Ajiona Alexus (Allison) to produce the movie’s eight songs.
“Music is an amazing tool for emotional storytelling,” Arnold said, “and the opportunity to bring this beautiful story to life using the unique musical talents of this exceptional cast makes this project incredibly exciting.”
AWARDS As producer, Arnold won the 2013 Tony for Best Musical for Kinky Boots. His play, Mothers and Sons, starring Tyne Daly, was nominated in 2014 for the Tony Award for Best Play. His musical, The Bridges of Madison County, was nominated last year for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical. And in 2012, his play, Chinglish, was nominated for the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play.
Arnold has also produced Broadway revivals of Macbeth and Godspell. He is also producing and developing a number of upcoming Broadway shows including Gettin’ the Band Back Together, Somewhere in Time and Allegiance (with George Takei).
RAISING AWARENESS Arnold’s devotion to “entertainment with positive messages made this partnership an easy one to establish,” said Pedraza. The Broadway community is at the forefront for raising awareness and funds for such messages.
For example, Kinky Boots sponsored a charitable campaign, “Just Be Who You Want to Be,” that raised money for the favorite causes of celebrities who participated, including actor James Earl Jones, tennis star Martina Navratilova, restaurateur Mario Batali, musician Josh Groban, entertainer Kelly Osbourne, and singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles.
Fabulous news! Welcome, Hunter!
Pingback: ‘Book of Mormon’s McCarthy Directs ‘Summer’s MusicSomething Like Summer | Something Like Summer
Pingback: The ‘New’ Ben Bentley: Grant DavisSomething Like Summer | Something Like Summer