Barry Weissler

Barry Weissler’s name is pretty much synonymous with Broadway at this point. Born February 22, 1939, the guy’s been behind some of the splashiest shows to hit the stage. If you’re a theater nerd—or even if you just dabble—you’ve probably seen his name slapped onto the credits of something big. He’s the producer who helped bring “Waitress: The Musical” to a whole new audience in 2023, and honestly, that show’s got a cult following for a reason. People can’t get enough of those catchy songs and that pie-fueled drama. But Barry’s career isn’t just new-school musicals. He’s got some serious range. Back in 1983, he was behind “Medea,” which, let’s be real, isn’t exactly light and fluffy. That ancient Greek tragedy packs a punch, and bringing it to a modern crowd isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s the kind of move that says, “Yeah, I can handle the big stuff.” Fast forward a few decades and you’ve got “Mr. Saturday Night: A New Musical Comedy” in 2022—proof that the guy’s still got his finger on the pulse of what makes people flock to the theater. Comedy, drama, music—he’s done it all. The thing about Weissler is, he’s not just about putting on a show; he’s about making people feel something, whether it’s gut-busting laughter or that weird lump in your throat that sneaks up during the sad songs. Decades in, and he’s still a powerhouse, shaping what people remember about Broadway.