Jeffrey Richards: big man on Broadway

On the opening night of the revival of Eugene O'Neill's "Desire Under the Elms," Kevin Spacey, Naomi Watts and a crush of theatergoers pressed into the St. James Theatre. But the man most instrumental in its transfer from Chicago's Goodman Theatre was nowhere to be seen. Finally, as the lights blinked final warning, lead producer Jeffrey Richards appeared, glad-handing the crowd of theater professionals. The snappy attire, including chic aviator sunglasses, seemed Richards' only concession to his new position as one of Broadway's most powerful producers.

By Patrick Pacheco

June 7, 2009