Mission Statement

The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company presents professional revivals of worthy Broadway musicals; in doing so it provides an opportunity for patrons to re-visit these shows and, in some cases, experience them for the first time. The Company chooses shows that it deems deserving of continued exposure. The company, as part of its casting, will introduce audiences to emerging artists within the New York theatrical community. The productions will include frequent lagniappes* designed to enhance audience appreciation of the classic works.

*Lagniappe- From the Louisiana French, meaning a bonus or a gift. These will include cast talk-backs, visits with the producers, and even interviews with the original cast and production members.

History

The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company was the brainchild of Jim Jimirro and Robert W. Schneider. Mr. Jimirro, who is one of the world’s leading experts on the American Songbook, and Mr. Schneider, one of the most recognized directors of cult musicals, discovered a shared love of the works of the American Musical Theater that have not been seen for a time.

In 2018, they sat down (over omelets and BLT’s at the Apple Jack Diner) to see how they could manifest this shared passion. From this initial session came The J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Company, an initiative dedicated to reviving important works of the American musical theater. The productions will be performed by both established and emerging talents who chose to make New York City their artistic home.

Spotlight proudly joins the illustrious ranks of such theater companies as Encores and The York Theater Company’s Musicals in Mufti series as a home for classic works, and hopes to bring back elements of The Equity Library Theater, which was once the premiere showcase venue for many who has just begun their careers in New York.

Spotlight is produced under an Equity Showcase Code contract. Each show runs for 8 performances.

J2 Spotlight’s productions are rich and fully-formed. Although set in an intimate theater, all the elements of musical theater - set design, orchestrations, costumes, choreography and the rest- are full fledged and generous.