Craig Zadan

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Craig Zadan

Craig Zadan
Born April 15, 1949
Miami, Florida, USA
Occupation Producer, Director, Writer
Nationality United States of America

Craig Zadan (born April 15, 1949 in Miami, Florida, USA) is an American executive producer, director, and writer. Zadan is openly gay[1] and is one half of the successful production team "Storyline Entertainment" with partner Neil Meron since their becoming friends many years ago in the New York Theatrical community.

Contents

[edit] Career

The duo is rapidly becoming a power force in the entertainment industry known for their careful planning, adherence to budget and uncompromising eye toward quality and honesty in their projects. The Zadan/Meron team is transforming film and television production with a philosophy and culture which is favorable to both studios and actors, yet retaining a high level of fiscal responsibility.

The legacy of Zadan/Meron works has shown specialization in reviving the film musical genre with particular note to their box office successes of Chicago and Hairspray, both based on Broadway Musicals.

One hallmark of Zadan's musical remakes is cameo appearances of persons connected with earlier productions. Andrea McArdle, who originated the title role in Annie on stage, featured prominently in Zadan's televised version. Chita Rivera appears briefly in Chicago; she played "Velma Kelly" in the original 1975 production.

But his film of Hairspray has the record number so far. From the original film, it featured John Waters (writer/director) as "the flasher who lives next door;" Jerry Stiller ("Wilbur Turnblad") as "Mr. Pinky;" and Rikki Lake ("Tracy") as a reporter. On the soundtrack, Ms Lake joins Nikki Blonsky and Marissa Jaret Winokur ("Tracy" from the Broadway production) to sing "Mama I'm a Big Girl Now" over the closing credits, and Harvey Fierstein (Broadway's "Edna") can be heard briefly soon after. Mink Stole ("Tammy" in the original film) appears as the smoking woman on the street whom Waters flashes, and is also seen in the musical number, "Welcome to the 60's." Corey Reynolds ("Seaweed" in the Broadway production) appears on the soundtrack as singer of "Trouble on the Line."

Newer projects are beginning to cover socially relevant themes and their connection to the upcoming remake of Fahrenheit 451 puts them squarely into the locus of Science fiction storytelling for the first time.

Zadan is primarily a California based production executive, but, with roots in New York and close ties to the theater community. He is close friends with Liza Minnelli and Bette Midler and others. Craig wrote a biographic book of composer Stephen Sondheim entitled "Sondheim & Co." in 1976 which has been updated with a subsequent edition and revisions until 1990.

Back, from Storyline Entertainment & CBS Paramount Network, is a 2009 CBS television pilot which centers on a man (Skeet Ulrich) who disappeared in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks- but who suddenly shows up, eight years later. Project follows the man as he reconnects with his family and adjusts to a world that has dramatically changed. Dean Widenmann wrote the project and will serve as supervising producer, while Storyline's Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will be Executive Producers.

[edit] Filmography

[edit] Awards/Nominations

[edit] References

  1. ^ Moylan, Brian (June 24, 2005), "Not worth repeating", Washington Blade, http://www.washblade.com/2005/6-24/arts/television/tv.cfm, retrieved on 2007-10-25 

[edit] External links

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