A Broadway Conversation with MICHAEL HERWITZ (JOB the Play)
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Herwitz, the visionary director of Broadway’s JOB. Join us as we delve into Michael's fascinating journey from child actor to director, uncover the creative process behind the success of JOB, and explore the themes that resonate with audiences across generations. Michael shares insights on the role of lighting and staging, the challenges of directing a two-person scene, and the open-ended interpretation of the play's conclusion. Discover how JOB bridges generational divides and engages audiences in meaningful conversations.
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MICHAEL HERWITZ is a director, producer, and dramaturg in New York City. He is often found huddled around a new script in development or dreaming up a revival of a favorite musical. His directing work collides fantasy with the mundane, and is often representative of queer and/or Jewish communities. He creates where generosity of spirt and pursuit of excellence go hand-in-hand. Michael is a ferocious advocate for the fourth wall and believes every second act deserves a dream ballet.
In Fall 2023, Michael made his directorial Off-Broadway debut with JOB by Max Wolf Friedlich. The twice-extended, sold-out run was a New York Times Critics Pick and hallmarked as "Highbrow and Brilliant" in New York Magazine's Approval Matrix. The commerical transfer at the Connelly Theater in 2024 recouped its investment in five weeks.
Born and raised outside New York City, Michael began his career as a child actor on Broadway. While stage managing his middle school musicals, he developed a deep passion for being behind the scenes. Michael has developed and staged new plays and musicals at HERE, Ensemble Studio Theater, JACK, SoHo Playhouse, Williamstown Theater Festival, IRT Theater, Lifeworld, Martha's Vineyard Playhouse, and the Pasadena Playhouse. As an Assistant, Michael has supported the work of Terry Kinney, Moritz von Stuelpnagel, Leigh Silverman, Jessie Nelson, and Joe Brancato.
In addition to his directing work, Michael has worked as a General Manager and Company Manager Off-Broadway and on tour. He is the Co-Founder of G45 Productions, an artistic collective dedicated to new plays. His education spans Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts to Northwestern University to the Williamstown Theatre Festival to watching countless movie musicals as a kid.
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