Michael Crea ’05 and Jeremy Blaustein ’06 were among the staff members honored when “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess” garnered the Tony Award for best revival of a musical at this year’s ceremony.
Shenandoah alumni Michael Crea ’05 and Jeremy Blaustein ’06 were among the staff members honored when “The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess” garnered the Tony Award for best revival of a musical at this year’s ceremony. Both are employed by Jeffrey Richards Associates, the agency that produced the show. The Tony Awards were held Sunday, June 10 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City where both alumni were present when the production won the award.
“We weren’t sure if this was going to happen because the favorite was ‘Follies’,” said Crea. “It was such a huge honor and a huge surprise.
“The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess” was one of four productions nominated in May for Best Revival of a Musical. Among the others were “Follies,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Evita.” There are over 800 Tony voters who weigh in on what they deem the best.
“They see every show every season throughout the year,” commented Crea. ”Once the nominees are announced there is a larger push to get them in to see the show.”
Crea and Blaustein were good friends while at Shenandoah. Blaustein serves as associate producer for Jeffrey Richards Associates and works with clients and investors to help gain support for the company and its productions. Crea is an assistant producer for the company and works directly with Jeffrey Richards, who was the show’s lead producer.
“It was truly a remarkable experience [being at the Tony Awards],” Crea said. “It was my third year going and every year it’s an amazing experience and an incredible evening being among all the actors and working professionals. I felt very blessed.”