Thanks to classmate Ben Romney, Jerry Zaks from the Dartmouth Class of 1967 will be our guest for a Casual Conversation on January 7, 2024, at 3 pm Eastern. A four-time Tony Award winner as Best Director, and the busiest “show doctor” since Abe Burrows, Jerry has tackled some of the greatest plays and musicals in the Broadway canon, including revivals of The Front Page, Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly! (with Bette Midler), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and many more, as well as shows off-Broadway, and in film and television. Jerry may be the most in demand director for Broadway working today, and if he keeps this up, he may revival George Abbott for longevity.
Jerry, of course, got his start in the theater at Dartmouth, and if anyone brought more energy, passion, and charisma to the stage, I haven’t seen him or her. He was a terrific Jester in the Winter Carnival production of Once Upon a Mattress, singing “Very Soft Shoes.” (Bob Reich was slated to play the mute-until-the-end King but suffered a kidney stone attack just before Winter Carnival; Bob returned to health and the stage in time for the revival during Reunion Week.) Jerry and I saw Ginger Rogers from standing room in Hello Dolly!
As an introduction to Jerry and his extraordinary career in the greatest of the arts, performing or fine, this article from the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine serves well:
https://dartmouthalumnimagazine.com/articles/king-broadway-jerry-zaks-67 .
Jerry has given joy to and touched the hearts of many thousands. And now he will spend time with us.
Usual rules apply. Let me know if you want to join us on January 7 by emailing by the end of the day, Friday, January 5 at arthur.fergenson@ansalaw.com .
See you ALL then!
Arthur Fergenson