These Boots are Made for Winning

“It was an exciting night in New York City,” said Masie, whose Masie Productions is one of several investors for three Broadway shows, two off-Broadway and two retired plays. 

Masie heads The MASIE Center, located on Washington Street in Saratoga Springs—a think tank focused on how organizations can support learning and knowledge within the workforce. He also leads the Learning CONSORTIUM, a coalition of 230 global organizations cooperating on the evolution of learning strategies including CNN, Wal-Mart and American Express.

“Kinky Boots,”—a musical based on a 2005 British comedy, follows an unlikely partnership between a struggling shoe factory owner, Charlie (Stark Sands), and flashy drag queen, Lola (Billy Porter), as they shift the men’s shoe stock from brogues to six-inch stilettos—has been lauded by reviewers as being one of the most endearing and fun productions on Broadway. 

Masie, who has been involved in producing shows for Broadway and off Broadway for almost three years, said the awards ceremony was a memorable evening, praising host Neil Patrick Harris’ performance and Cicley Tyson’s speech—Tyson received a Tony for Best Actress her part in The Trip to Bountiful, a story based on a 1953 play and later 1985 movie about a woman homesick for her childhood in the country. 

“I absolutely loved Neil’s opening speech,” said Masie. “And Cicley’s speech was incredible.”

Harris has been praised in media reports for his colorful and nonstop performance hosting the show and Tyson’s acceptance speech was called “one of the classiest acceptance speeches of the night.”  Tyson received a standing ovation. 

Cyndi Lauper, who won a Tony for the musical score, is best known for her upbeat “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” She later sang a version of “True Colors” in honor of Broadway stars who passed away this past year which included Marvin Hamlisch, Nora Ephron and Gore Vidal. 

Kinky Boots won the coveted Best Musical, Best Score, Best Leading Man (Billy Porter,) Best Choreography and two technical awards. 

Masie said Kinky Boots had been under production for four years before it made it to Broadway.  In addition to Kinky Boots and The Trip to Bountiful, Masie is also an investor/producer of the Broadway one-man play MacBeth with Alan Cumming of the Good Wife.

“It is edgy and raw,” said Masie of MacBeth. “And, a lot of fun.”

He is also an investor producer of the off-Broadway production Allegiance with George Tekei of Star Trek fame. 

“We also have one heading for the West Coast—Somewhere in Time,” added Masie. 

He said being an investor/producer is something new for him, but that he was enjoying the experience of being involved with Broadway productions. Liking investors/producers to race horse owners, Masie said he found it exciting to be part of a winning team. 

“It’s a bit like horse racing—if you have a lot of money you can be the only producer, but otherwise there are lots of partners,” said Masie, adding, “It takes a lot of money and spirit” to produce a Broadway production. 

As for his night at the Tony’s? “It was fun being at Radio City Music Hall,” said Masie. “I can’t wait to go again.” 

For more information about Masie Productions, go to www.masieproductions.com.