Inside the life and work of low-profile, high-impact theater producer James Simon.
Who is James Simon?
If you’ve seen a Broadway revival in the last 20 years that made you feel something real, there’s a good chance James Simon had something to do with it.
Simon is a veteran theater producer based in New York City. He doesn’t seek the spotlight, but his work often ends up under it—literally. His credits include everything from the Tony-nominated Bells Are Ringing to the upcoming Broadway run of Operation Mincemeat. But before the red carpets and stage lights, Simon was a kid in Westchester, New York, with a pair of drumsticks and a passion for school plays.
“I was about five when I got up on stage for the first time,” he says. “I just knew it was where I wanted to be. Not for fame, but because I felt alive there.”
From School Plays to College Radio
Simon’s early life was steeped in music and the arts. Raised in a creative household, he played drums and got involved in theater as a child. This carried him to Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1988. There, he found another outlet: college radio.
“I loved telling stories and curating experiences,” he says. “Radio taught me pacing, mood, and voice—all things I later applied to theater.”
After a brief stint in professional radio, he moved to New York City to pursue acting. He appeared in Off-Broadway shows and indie films and even landed a cameo on Saturday Night Live. But something shifted.
“I realized I was more interested in the whole process than just performing,” he says. “I wanted to help build the story from the ground up.”
Enter: The Producer
Simon made the leap into producing in the 1990s. He joined production teams for a variety of underground artists, gradually moving up to lead producer on major revivals. One of his early highlights was On the Waterfront in 1995. A few years later, he worked on Play On! and eventually earned his Tony nomination for Bells Are Ringing in 2001.
“There’s no formula in theater,” Simon says. “Some shows flop that you thought would soar. Some surprise you. It’s art—it’s subjective. You just try to put out work you believe in.”
One example he reflects on is a show he produced in the early ’90s that closed quickly. But recently, a UK company revived it—on a shoestring budget—and it earned rave reviews.
“It wasn’t a financial win for me back then,” he says, “but seeing it thrive years later… I felt vindicated. Like I had seen something real, even if the timing was off.”
Recent Projects and the Road to Operation Mincemeat
Over the last decade, Simon has co-produced several high-profile projects. In 2022, he was part of the team behind the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman. Most recently, he helped bring Operation Mincemeat, a darkly comedic WWII musical, to New York from its successful UK run. The show opened on Broadway in March 2025.
“It’s not your typical Broadway musical,” he says. “It’s clever, strange, and emotional. That’s what drew me to it. I like material that challenges people.”
Film Work and Side Ventures
Though best known for theater, Simon has also dabbled in film. He served as executive producer on A Tale of Two Pizzas (2003).
Unlike some producers, he avoids becoming a brand. He doesn’t post flashy behind-the-scenes content or lead with his résumé. Instead, he spends his time attending festivals, reading scripts, and supporting new talent.
“This business is built on community,” he says. “You can’t do it alone. And if you’re lucky, you find people who challenge you and keep you honest.”
Giving Back to the Theater Community
Simon is a board member of Untitled Theater Company 61 and a contributing member of Theater Resources Unlimited, a nonprofit that supports emerging producers and artists. Mentorship and collaboration are priorities for him.
“When I was just starting out, there was this one guy—Randall,” he recalls. “He brought me into the room and taught me to take risks. Some of those shows didn’t make money, but a few became hits. That’s how theater evolves. You have to shake things up.”
Staying Grounded in a Tough Industry
Like many in creative fields, Simon has faced burnout and doubt.
“It sounds cliché, but that’s what friends are for,” he says. “There were times I questioned everything. But someone always reminded me why I started.”
His downtime includes skiing, concerts, and traveling. These things help him reset—and sometimes inspire new projects.
“I’m always amazed by the creativity I see at arts festivals, especially in places like Edinburgh,” he says. “It keeps me curious.”
Final Thoughts
James Simon may not be a household name, but he’s had a hand in shaping some of the most memorable and challenging theater in recent years. His journey from kid actor to producer is less about chasing recognition and more about honoring the craft.
“The best feeling,” he says, “is when someone tells me they saw a show I worked on years ago—and they still think about it. Even if it wasn’t a hit, it meant something. That’s enough for me.”
