FRAN KIRMSER
As a consultant for artists and non profit arts organizations for over 15 years Fran has facilitated the work of hundreds of artsits to stage. A fixture in the arts she began her professional career at the age of 14 as a dancer. In the 90's she co-founded, Manhattan Theatre Source, a theater and arts service organization still in operation in Greenwich Village that rarely has a dark night. In 2002 she launched The Biography Project, a series of plays that tell the stories of artists in an effort to recognize their voices, better archive their work and explore their influence on culture. In addition to extensive work Off-Broadway, on Broadway Kirmser produced the award-winning Radio Golf, the last play and final chapter in August Wilson's epic ten-play cycle by one of our nation's greatest playwrights, and the 2009 Tony Award-Winner for Best Musical Revival, Hair. Continuing her passion for bringing unique and important voices to the stage, together with producing partner Tony Ponturo and in association with the NFL, Kirmser produced Lombardi based on the life of the Iconic Leader and renowned Football Coach Vince Lombardi. Lombardi, the longest running play of it's 2010-2011 Season, was nominated for Best Play by the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards. And the play's featured actress Judith Light for her portrayal of Marie Lombardi, received a Tony Nomination. Through their formed Kirmser/Ponturo Group LLC, the team Ponturo and Kirmser recently announced their latest collaboration, Magic Bird. This new play tells the story of the rivalry and friendship between Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird and is being crafted based on conversations with the two Hall of Fame players.
As a consultant for artists and non profit arts organizations for over 15 years Fran has facilitated the work of hundreds of artsits to stage. A fixture in the arts she began her professional career at the age of 14 as a dancer. In the 90's she co-founded, Manhattan Theatre Source, a theater and arts service organization still in operation in Greenwich Village that rarely has a dark night. In 2002 she launched The Biography Project, a series of plays that tell the stories of artists in an effort to recognize their voices, better archive their work and explore their influence on culture. In addition to extensive work Off-Broadway, on Broadway Kirmser produced the award-winning Radio Golf, the last play and final chapter in August Wilson's epic ten-play cycle by one of our nation's greatest playwrights, and the 2009 Tony Award-Winner for Best Musical Revival, Hair. Continuing her passion for bringing unique and important voices to the stage, together with producing partner Tony Ponturo and in association with the NFL, Kirmser produced Lombardi based on the life of the Iconic Leader and renowned Football Coach Vince Lombardi. Lombardi, the longest running play of it's 2010-2011 Season, was nominated for Best Play by the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards. And the play's featured actress Judith Light for her portrayal of Marie Lombardi, received a Tony Nomination. Through their formed Kirmser/Ponturo Group LLC, the team Ponturo and Kirmser recently announced their latest collaboration, Magic Bird. This new play tells the story of the rivalry and friendship between Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird and is being crafted based on conversations with the two Hall of Fame players.
TONY PONTURO
In partnership with producing partner Fran Kirmser and the NFL, Tony Ponturo was proud to bring Lombardi, an New American Play to Broadway garnering a Best Play Nomination by Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards and it's featured actress Judith Light as Marie Lombardi garnering a Tony Nomination. Continuing his partnership with Fran Kirmser, they have formed Kirmser Ponturo Group LLC. The company conceives and developes new artistic work and provides marketing and consulting efforts in the arts, sports, and entertainment area.
Kirmser Ponturo Group has announced a new theatrical production titled Magic Bird. This is scheduled for Spring 2012 in association with the NBA and tells the story of the amazing friendship and competitive efforts of Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. Ponturo has been a leader in the business of sports and entertainment for more than 30 years, first in the advertising world. Then at Anheuser-Busch. Ponturo was regularly ranked as one of the most influential people in sports. As well as sports, Ponturo pioneered Anheuser-Busch efforts in the Academy Awards, Grammy's and the Tony Awards. Also, bringing sponsorship to the Broadway League for the first time as well. Ponturo is a Producer of the 2010 Tony Award Winning Musical Memphis still running on Broadway, and an Associate Producer on the 2009 Tony Award Winning Best Musical Revival Hair. He serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the American Ballet Theater and the Board of the New York City Center. Ponturo is a Trustee Emeritus of the American Film Institute.
In partnership with producing partner Fran Kirmser and the NFL, Tony Ponturo was proud to bring Lombardi, an New American Play to Broadway garnering a Best Play Nomination by Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards and it's featured actress Judith Light as Marie Lombardi garnering a Tony Nomination. Continuing his partnership with Fran Kirmser, they have formed Kirmser Ponturo Group LLC. The company conceives and developes new artistic work and provides marketing and consulting efforts in the arts, sports, and entertainment area.
Kirmser Ponturo Group has announced a new theatrical production titled Magic Bird. This is scheduled for Spring 2012 in association with the NBA and tells the story of the amazing friendship and competitive efforts of Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. Ponturo has been a leader in the business of sports and entertainment for more than 30 years, first in the advertising world. Then at Anheuser-Busch. Ponturo was regularly ranked as one of the most influential people in sports. As well as sports, Ponturo pioneered Anheuser-Busch efforts in the Academy Awards, Grammy's and the Tony Awards. Also, bringing sponsorship to the Broadway League for the first time as well. Ponturo is a Producer of the 2010 Tony Award Winning Musical Memphis still running on Broadway, and an Associate Producer on the 2009 Tony Award Winning Best Musical Revival Hair. He serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the American Ballet Theater and the Board of the New York City Center. Ponturo is a Trustee Emeritus of the American Film Institute.