Our Star on The Rise is Tony Nominated Producer of “New York, New York” Lamar Richardson
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One of the youngest Black producers to be nominated for a Tony award for his work on New York, New York is the multi-talented Lamar Richardson. He enjoys entertainment and has a desire for stories. We can all identify with his story since, after stepping outside of his acting comfort zone, he achieved new heights and success as a producer. If you ask him, however, acting will always be his first love.
The sky is the limit for this budding star, who has only begun to realize his full potential. Because he will be co-producing the revival of The Wiz in the spring, we will be keeping an eye on him.
Cox: You have already accomplished so much in your professional career at such an early age. Before we get into everything, I want to know more about Lamar and his love for the craft. Your journey!
Richardson: I went to Columbia University and came up in the ranks the tried-and-true way. I studied theater and psychology there, and after graduating, I studied under Susan Batson in New York and then moved to Los Angeles. And there, I also worked with Marjorie Ballentine for a little bit. I trained through all the different techniques and learned from all the other masters of the craft. Recently, I even studied with Anthony Anderson.
I’m a student of a craft that is ever-evolving. You can never stop learning. As you go through life, you accrue experiences that you can use to serve your artistry. As for me, I’m always interested in playing the role of the underdog or the overlooked. I like to find those redeemable qualities in those characters and bring them to the forefront. These stories speak to me as an artist and resonate so well.
Cox: What about when you are switching roles from artist to producer? How does your brain operate?
Richardson: The producer’s brain is very analytical and calculated. In this mode, I’m looking at the big picture, which involves finances. I’m focused on things like how much time is spent on the scene and checking to see how we are running the set and how much the camera costs. Whereas when I’m in artist mode, I’m just genuinely going from moment to moment. I’m connecting with my partner and trying to get to the truth of the scene.
I’m working towards achieving the same goal in both modes, but it’s two sides of the same coin.
Cox: If you had to choose, which would you do for the rest of your life: be an artist or a producer?
Richardson: Artist! I am, first and foremost, an actor. That’s always going to be in the driver’s seat for me. Producing is terrific, and it has opened so many doors. Ultimately, I’m working to marry the two so that they best serve me.
Cox: How has the journey been for you regarding not giving up because this is a tough business on both sides?
Richardson: That’s the operative part; you just said it’s a very tough business. Before diving into producing in the past year, I spent a decade doing the tried-and-true way of auditioning, waiting, auditioning, and having things happen sporadically for me when landing gigs. But now, I’m much more involved in making things happen for myself. And that’s important for any artist, especially in today’s market.
Cox: Speaking of making things happen, With the New York, New York production, you were one of the youngest Black producers nominated for a Tony Award. How did it feel to receive that nomination?
Richardson: It still hasn’t hit me because this part of my journey started a year ago. It started with me sending out emails to get informational meetings to learn about producing. So fast track a year later, and you know, being on the crest of a nomination is surreal. Given my age and background and my first foray into Broadway space, it’s very humbling.
It shows that you can make things happen for yourself when you get out of your way. For example, for years, people told me I should get into producing and that I had a good balance between the business of it and artistry. But I was very hesitant and opposed to it. And now, looking at how quickly things have moved since I made the transition shows that you can’t underestimate yourself. You never know what you’re capable of.
Cox: You mentioned getting out of your way. How was Lamar in his way at the beginning of his career?
Richardson: I was very singularly focused on what I thought my career should look like. Throughout my entire life, I’ve always been in control of things until I got into this industry. I left home 14 years ago and got into the schools I wanted, studied what I wanted, checked off all the boxes, and accomplished whatever I put my mind to. But when I got into this industry, it all fell apart. And I couldn’t accept that. For those ten years as an actor, I was determined to be only an actor. There wasn’t an audition I couldn’t do or a meeting I couldn’t take. But then, within the past year, I realized I would have to get creative and open my opportunities. And after all that resistance, I said, “Okay, fine, let me give producing a try and see what happens. A year later, look at what has happened to me now.
Cox: I love learning about people’s journeys and what got them to this point. What advice would you give someone who felt like you did or is currently going through it in this industry?
Richardson: You must be sure of yourself because so many factors and forces are tearing you down in this industry. You will face rejections where you will feel that you aren’t worthy or good enough. So, before you step into that audition, book that headshot session or go into the recording studio, it is imperative to know who you are. Have a solid, unshakable grasp of that. And see where you fit in the business; don’t let others sway you because you will have people telling you where you should go. And when you are clear on all that, the rest is gravy.
Cox: When this opportunity to co-produce New York, New York was presented to you, what did you all want to ensure was reflected in this body of work?
Richardson: As a co-producer, I work under the tutelage of our lead producers, Sonia Friedman and Tom Kirdahy. This show is a love letter to New York City. New York is a big multicultural melting pot. They wanted this show to be a love letter to show artists, dreamers, and everyone else who is part of this city that they are reflected. We intentionally showcased the multifaceted slice of New York City life, culturally, economically, socially, and politically.
This show is the quintessential Broadway experience. Everyone from all walks of life can find a piece of themselves in it. And they will leave feeling inspired and moved.
Cox: Did you ever think this would be your testimony?
Richardson: I would be a liar if I said I saw this coming, as you hear from some people. But I’m living it right now, and never in a million years did I fathom this would happen to me. It feels surreal, even though I’m living it right now.
Cox: With all this success, does the pressure increase on Lamar? Like, what’s next for him, and what is he going to do?
Richardson: Absolutely, yes! Because now, people have expectations since I came out of the gate with Death of a Salesman, which was critically acclaimed and my first show. And now New York, New York, is nominated for a Tony. The nomination alone, for me, is a win. I’m just grateful for the experience, and I’m here to ride the wave and not stress myself about what’s next. I’m not going to have this big chip on my shoulder.
Cox: You are aware that we are dealing with career and stress issues. How have you been able to stay grounded and centered through the journey?
Richardson: God! I’m a spiritual person, and after being in this business for this long, I tell anyone that it will humble you fast. I’m Ivy League educated and a black man, and if I were in another industry, I could easily position myself at the forefront of it. But that doesn’t matter in this business.
So I trust that God didn’t lead me this far and didn’t open certain doors for no reason. I also trust that he closed other doors because I wasn’t meant to walk through them. I have many affirmations that I also tell myself when it gets tough. I’m not going to sugarcoat it because this business is no cakewalk. Even when you have a blip of success, you must get another gig immediately.
So I’m very clear about this and work on my center because I can’t get caught up in the noise, hype, and expectations. I focus on staying true to myself and knowing that what’s mine won’t miss me.
Cox: Okay, so the news broke about the revival of The Wiz that you are also co-producing. Congratulations! Tell me about that.
Richardson: I’m thrilled and super excited about this opportunity and to be working with Brian Moreland. He brought this opportunity to me and put together a fantastic team. I’m sure you saw the announcement that Wayne Brady would play the Wiz. It’s exciting to see the rollout of the cast. I think this is a timely revival for a show, and it means so much to so many generations within our community.
Stay in touch with Lamar and his journey!
