The Fox's Mike Isaccson brings magic to productions

Three members of The Fox Theatre team: Mike Isaacson, left, Public Relations Manager Julie Lally and the always popular Stan Kann. Click here to read our interview with Stan and find out how you can tour The Fabulous Fox

Fox, Mike Isaacson plan
to build on success,
make 2002-2003 season best yet

by Daniel Hines
Publisher
America’s Seniors/TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

As Mike Isaacson starts his job each day and walks through the cavernous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, he must sometimes stop and pinch himself.

When the still-young Isaacson turned his back on a possible career in the corporate world to start to learn all he could about the theatre—as an usher at The Fox--it is doubtful that he would someday enjoy such success that would include participation in a Tony award winning production. Now, as The Fox launches its 20^th season, Mike is a key to a new level of success for the wonderful theatre in many ways.

When we interviewed Mike for the first time last year (click here to see story), he talked about the theatre heritage of St. Louis and the role that The Fox plays in that. At that time, he also talked about the fact that he was especially pleased by the continued support of seniors for The Fox, noting that they were a part of a great tradition in St. Louis’ community support for theatre.

Now, a year later, it is the St. Louis region that is grateful to Mike and The Fox. The Fabulous Fox is coming off what some consider to be one of its best seasons ever, a season that has even more firmly established St. Louis as a major part of the tours of successful shows.

Last year, Mike told of shows such as Swing, Blast, and the return of other always-popular shows such as Phantom of the Opera and Cats as examples of the high standard The Fox was setting. He also pointed to the upcoming Mama Mia as the ‘sleeper’ that will, he predicts, be a favorite of those who see it. (For more on Mama Mia, click here.)

It would seem to be a hard schedule to top, but the momentum that has been built up by Fox Associates is carrying forth to what should be the best season, perhaps in the history of The Fox. And, Mike has had a role in all of this.

The Fox season actually has two components, the Broadway series and the off-season specials. The series coming up is almost certainly one of the best in Fox history.

Consider: The Allergist's Wife, The Producers, The Full Monty, 42^nd Street, Disney’s The Lion King. Add to this an expanded schedule to two weeks for each show, which means that audiences will be able to have a wider selection of really quality seats than ever before. As though this wasn’t enough,

The off-season specials are great too. The Fox is also bringing back Blast, and this season is offering Stomp, both highly entertaining, large production shows that are favorites with audiences. Also, The Fox will present West Side Story, and will bring back the traditional Christmas Carol from the University of Nebraska players. Want more? The Music Man, one of my favorites, is scheduled also.

Mike describes The Producers as the ‘funniest musical comedy’ ever, but he says he expects the ‘sleeper’ this season will be The Full Monty, which he describes as a ‘brilliant translation from screen to stage.’

Theatre fans in St. Louis are well aware of the Cinderella-type success story of “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, the Tony-award winner that has its roots in St. Louis and The Fox. (Click here to hear the opening to this Tony Award Winner)

Mike was instrumental in the Genesis of Thoroughly Modern Millie, coming across the music at an audition several years ago in which several performers present ideas, songs and concepts hoping they will strike pay dirt.

He fell in love with TMM and soon the process was underway of gaining the immense financial support necessary to undertake the type of risky venture Broadway productions represent.

The success of it all came about at the Tony awards when Mike, who was so excited as he was on stage as the Tony was presented, thought that his vibrating ringer on his phone must have been a heart attack. Actually, it was all his friends calling him to congratulate him.

Will TMM come to The Fox? Mike says only that there are plans. In the meantime, he is committed more than ever before to his role on the outstanding Fox Theatre team to bringing the best productions possible to the region.

The success of the effort is evident. After the 9-11 tragedy, many people looked closer to home (within driving distance) for forms of entertainment. As a result, the geographic audience for The Fox is larger.

Add to that the success of the past season, and the prospects for 2002-2003 and it is easy to see why, in its 20^th season, The Fabulous Fox is more than ever before a major presence in theatre. And, audiences are responding. Last year at this time, there were 11,000 season subscribers. This year, there are 19,000.

Mike fits the Fox Team mode. He is pleasant, and quietly self-confident. He has immersed himself in the theatre and all of us are the beneficiaries.