Theater producer may lead NEA
Rocco Landesman, a Broadway impresario known for his colorful personality and blunt candor, has reportedly been chosen by the Obama administration to lead the National Endowment for the Arts.
According to a report in the New York Times, the White House will nominate Landesman for the position of chairman at the NEA, a post that was previously held by Dana Gioia. The formal announcement is expected to come today.
Landesman, 61, is the president of Jujamcyn Theaters, which owns five Broadway houses. He is also known as a producer of a number of stage hits including “Angels in America,” “Big River” and “The Producers.”
Landesman, who supported Barack Obama during his presidential campaign, is expected to shake up the NEA if his nomination is approved by Congress. The agency is the biggest arts organization in the country, with a budget of $145 million. But it is still seen by many as a passive dispenser of government funds.
On Broadway, Landesman has earned a reputation for his aggressive personality and eclectic pastimes.
His passion for racehorses is well-known among colleagues, as is his taste for country music.
If approved, Landesman will take over from Patrice Walker Powell, who has served as interim chairwoman since February.
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