Former STAGES St. Louis Co-Founder Just Snagged His 5th Tony Award

By Joan Berkman / cast photos by Matthew Murphy

It’s been quite a year for Stages St. Louis Co-Founder and Broadway producer Jack Lane. He was not only nominated for the prestigious Olivier Award in April, but the multi-Tony Award winner just snagged his 5th Tony as a co-producer of the Musical Revival of “RAGTIME” hosted by Pink in New York City.

“It was with enormous gratitude that we accepted the Best Revival of a Musical Tony Award for RAGTIME at Radio City Music Hall on June 7. One of the great musicals in the American Musical Theatre cannon, this revival of RAGTIME has received enormous acclaim and has been sold out since the first performance,” Jack said. “We are also thrilled with the additional wins for Best Actor in a Musical, Joshua Henry, Best Actress, Caissie Levy, and Best Sound Design, Kai Harada. Ragtime has been extended for a third time and will finish its run at the Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center on August 16.

“Winning a Tony is no doubt an incredible honor for any producer but the real honor is to have audience members discover and appreciate the shows you are bringing to them. Winning awards is great but it’s not the reason why you should be in the entertainment industry. It’s a hard life and when you can be surrounded by great art, such as Ragtime, it makes all of the long and arduous days worthwhile.”

Jack has been producing on Broadway since 2012. He has been nominated for nine Tony Awards and prior to his 5th Tony for “Ragtime,” he’s received Tonys for FUN HOME, THE HUMANS, COMPANY, and SUNSET BOULEVARD. The additional four nominations were for PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, THE PROM, & JULIET, and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS.

In addition to RAGTIME, Jack is currently represented in New York by & JULIET and THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG and on its national tour, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, which will be coming to the STL Fabulous Fox in early 2027.

Upcoming for the 2026/2027 Broadway Season Jack will be producing the revivals of both EVITA and DREAMGIRLS.

Speaking of being surrounded by great art – a quick update on THE KARATE KID, The Musical, which Jack co-produced and brought the pre-Broadway premier of THE KARATE KID, The Musical to STAGES St. Louis in 2022, before it became a big hit –- it recently opened in the UK prior to heading to Toronto.

Jack said: “We have been greeted by across-the-board rave reviews along with significant support from audiences via glowing social media. Working in the UK is a joy and I look forward to spending more time there on new projects.”

It’s been almost 40 years that Jack Lane and Artistic Director, Michael Hamilton founded STAGES St. Louis back in 1987. The two then built along with the City of Kirkwood the $25 M Kirkwood Performing Arts Center that opened in 2021 and provided the stunning stage for THE KARATE KID, The Musical premiere.

Bravo to Jack for his impressive program of work and ongoing contributions to the St. Louis and international arts community!