Backstage with Dani Davis
Broadway Theatre League of Utica met with Dani Davis earlier this week. Dani Davis is an Emmy award-winning writer, a Tony-nominated Broadway producer, a critically acclaimed theater director, a television producer, and an entertainment entrepreneur. She brings experience, ingenuity, and a gift for collaboration to live, virtual, and hybrid performing arts in both the commercial and nonprofit sectors. Dani’s passion is to tell powerful stories that reach a broad and receptive audience as well as succeed for their creators artistically, logistically, and financially. Dani’s Broadway producing credits include Little Women – The Musical starring Sutton Foster and Maureen McGovern (Tony and Drama Desk noms) and The Lonesome West (4 Tony noms). As Executive Producer for NETworks Theatricals, she produced national and international tours of Little Women – The Musical, Billy Elliot for Working Title Productions and Universal Studios (Helen Hayes Award for Producing), Shrek the musical for DreamWorks, The Wedding Singer for Universal Studios, & Flashdance with Paramount Pictures Productions. For television, Dani created and executive produced the series Girl Starter with Al Roker Productions and created content for AT&T, Discovery, Staples, Visa, and Microsoft.Dani has currently been staying in Utica, NY as she is the Executive Producer of Shrek The Musical.
Read the interview below:
Broadway Utica: What factors influenced your decision to pursue your technical rehearsals here in Utica, NY at The Stanley Theatre?
Dani: I had teched Flashdance here ten years ago at Christmas. The entire experience was remarkable – from the crew here at the theater, to the building itself, to the wonderful places to eat and drink (Swifty’s in particular and Ancora), never mind that the hotels are steps away from the Stanley Theater. I really wanted to return to tech a show – and it took me ten years, but here we are with an all new production of Shrek! And everyone here is once again Shrektastic.
Broadway Utica: Can you share some insights into your journey as a producer and how you initially got started in the world of theater production?
Dani: I came to producing via the creative side of theater. I was a dancer on Broadway, then became an associate to directors and choreographers, then founded a production company and produced Broadway and touring musicals. I always say I know a little bit about what everyone in the theater is doing to make the magic of the show happen, and I love facilitating their process to bring the show to the audience. Producing is creative, exciting, challenging, and when audiences across the country are enjoying the show, massively rewarding.
Broadway Utica: Can you share a memorable or defining moment in your career that has had a significant impact on your growth as a producer?
Dani: The truth is that every show brings its own unique challenges. I find that each show I do teaches me something I can carry forward to the next one. I will say that having to close a show, and share that information about the closing with everyone whose livelihood depends on the paycheck the show provides is never ever easy, so I keep that front of mind as I make decisions that impact the health of the show’s business.
Broadway Utica: What is your favorite part of being in Utica?
Dani: The food! I am addicted to Utica Greens. The people! Everyone here is so welcoming and fun!
SHREK THE MUSICAL will be at The Stanley Theatre February 24-25, for tickets visit www.BroadwayUtica.org
