Beverly, MA--  The Board of Trustees of North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) has announced the appointment of Barry Ivan as the new Artistic Director and Executive Producer of North Shore Music Theatre.  Mr. Ivan will succeed Jon Kimbell, who after 25 years as Artistic Director and Executive Producer of NSMT, will be assuming the new role as Artistic Director Emeritus.

“It is with great pleasure and sincere commitment that I accept this position,” said Mr. Ivan. “Under Jon Kimbell’s direction, NSMT has gained an outstanding reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs.  My overarching goal in moving forward is to work with the Board of Trustees and staff to build on these considerable accomplishments and further develop and implement the artistic vision of North Shore Music Theatre.”

A nationally recognized director and choreographer, Mr. Ivan’s versatile career includes work in New York City theater, television and film.  His accomplishments range from directing and choreographing over 20 musicals at NSMT to being a guest director at Yale University; and his international credits include directing and choreographing West Side Story at the German State Opera.  A four-time Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) nominee for Best Director and Best Choreographer, Mr. Ivan’s productions of The Full Monty and Hairspray at NSMT both received IRNE awards for Best Musical.

Highlights from Mr. Ivan’s extensive regional theater career include directing and choreographing Company starring Malcolm Gets and Michelle Pawk; Anything Goes starring Carolee Carmello; and several productions of Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, including a recent production starring Dee Hoty and Tony Award winning actress Beth Leavel.  Actively involved in the development of new works, Mr. Ivan staged Tony Award winning composer Maury Yeston’s new musical, In The Beginning, and recently directed Tales of Tinsel Town for The Director’s Company in New York City.

“Barry’s extensive history with North Shore Music Theatre combined with his tremendous arts industry knowledge and expertise, make him the ideal person to serve as the chief artistic officer of NSMT,” said David Fellows, Chairman of the NSMT Board of Trustees.  “As the director and choreographer of several of NSMT’s most popular and critically acclaimed productions, Barry has an acute understanding of audience trends and tastes.  His guidance and expertise will be essential to the future growth and development of the Theatre.”

Through the end of the 2007 season, Mr. Ivan will work closely with Jon Kimbell to ensure a smooth transition of the day-to-day Artistic Director and Executive Producer responsibilities.  In February, 2008, Mr. Ivan will assume the full-time Artistic Director and Executive Producer role.  In addition, Mr. Ivan plans to direct and choreograph at least one musical each season.

 “Barry’s commitment and dedication to the musical theater art form and to inspiring future generations of theater goers and artists, are qualities I greatly admire,” said Jon Kimbell.  “Over the past 25 years, the Board, the staff and I have built a nationally recognized performing arts organization and under Barry’s leadership I am confident that the theater will reach even greater heights by continuing to celebrate, perpetuate and invigorate the art of musical theatre.”

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 300,000 patrons annually.  NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs.  NSMT has received numerous industry awards including The Elliot Norton Award, The Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors’ Equity, and The Moss Hart Award.  NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series, a production of A Christmas Carol and an acclaimed concert series. With its celebrated Theatre for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region’s leading providers of theater arts and education.

updated June 14, 2007

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