A UK virtual reading for the new best-selling illustrated children’s book Broadway Baby, written by UK West End and Broadway theatre operator and producer Russell Miller with Judith A. Proffer, is now available to watch here as part of our Kids Week!
TV and Stage stars set to participate in the event include multiple international Emmy Award and BAFTA nominee Catherine Tate, three time Olivier Award winner Sharon D Clarke MBE, Olivier Award winner Matthew Henry MBE, Olivier Award nominee and former Principal of The Royal Ballet Adam Cooper, Hamilton star Simon Anthony Rhoden, Jo Servi, stage and screen star Claire Sweeney, Madalena Alberto, stage and screen star and former Here’Say singer Suzanne Shaw, Kerry Ellis and Norman Bowman.
Released by Meteor 17 Books in October 2020, Broadway Baby is available now at BroadwayBabyBook.com. A portion of proceeds from sales of the book will benefit Theatre Artists Fund, which provides grants to theatre professionals financially affected by Covid-19.
Artfully illustrated by the award-winning Yoko Matsuoka, this cheeky little Broadway Baby dreams of becoming a Broadway star. Those dreams take us on a truly theatrical journey from his crib to the playground to the heart of New York City, with nods to many elements that make live theatre so special.
Broadway Baby celebrates the importance of theatre and creativity; encourages children and theatre lovers of all ages to create and be whatever you want to be, whoever you are, wherever you are; and reminds readers that even the loftiest of dreams can come true.
Miller was inspired to write Broadway Baby after searching for a gift for his Tony Award-winning producing partner’s newborn daughter, Olivia. With nothing suitably theatre-centric available, he carefully crafted this new book as a go-to for theatre fans and performers alike.
“Broadway Baby was born of necessity,” said Miller.
“I felt there was a real need to create something authentically theatrical that would resonate with theatre lovers and children of all ages, something unique and sincere that serves as a special VIP invitation to join our magical world of theater-land.”
Speaking about the virtual reading, Miller added: “The virtual reading unites some of the UK’s most talented performers for theatre fans everywhere to enjoy. I’m so grateful to everyone who has generously given their time to read Broadway Baby for this special event in celebration of Official London Theatre Kids Week, supporting The Theatre Artists Fund.”
Judith A. Proffer – a former newspaper publisher and award-winning boutique book publisher – worked closely with Miller on all aspects of creating Broadway Baby. Proffer is a musical theatre buff who was “honored and delighted” to help bring the book to life.
Multi-award-winning art director and graphic designer Hugh Syme brings his entertainment-centric brilliance to the book’s design. Syme’s work has been featured in a wide range of disciplines and by clients ranging from musical stars including Aerosmith, RUSH, The David Geffen Company and Celine Dion to brand agencies to movie studios including Universal, Paramount Pictures.