Jamie Kaye-Phillips finds success on Broadway

Jamie Kaye-Phillips /PHOTO |Christopher Maring

He may just be turning 27-years-old, but Jamie Kaye-Phillips is already taking Broadway by storm.  The former Providence resident and congregant of Temple Emanu-El is now an above-title co-producer for summer’s most recent Broadway hit, “An Act of God.”

The play stars Jim Parsons of “Big Bang Theory” as The Almighty. He has been embodied to reveal the secrecies of the Bible and give answers to the questions scholars have been asking for years. The play was written by David Jamerbaum (“The Daily Show”) and directed by Joe Mantello (“Wicked,” “The Normal Heart”).

Kaye-Phillips graduated from Classical High School where he was captain of the USY Basketball Team while being involved with the Temple Emanu-El Youth Theater Group and other high school and local theater productions.

“It was like ‘High School Musical’ meets Jewish Theater,” Kaye-Phillips joked; “I was like Troy Bolten, that is, a less attractive, more Jewish Troy Bolten.” He started acting when he was 5 years old after participating in a Purim Spiel with his mother. Since then, some of his many performances include the role of Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Danny in “Grease,” and Warbucks in “Annie.”

He graduated from Duke University with a degree in Theater Studies. Shortly thereafter, he met with established producer Jeffrey Finn, who was looking for an executive assistant with at least five years of experience on Broadway.  Kaye-Phillips got the job anyway after a scheduled 15-minute interview turned into a two-hour lunch meeting.

“It’s a two person team; I’ve learned so much.” Kaye-Phillips added.

Since being hired, Kaye-Phillips has been a part of such plays as “Seminar” and “Dead Accounts,” and this year the production company co-produced Tony-nominated “The Elephant Man,” starring Bradley Cooper and Patricia Clarkson. For that, he received an associate producer credit. “An Act of God” is the first play for which he received an above-title co-producer credit.

“You’re in charge of putting together the pieces behind an idea and fostering the positive environment in which everyone can pursue a common goal. You’re also responsible for the financing to make it all happen,” Kaye-Phillips said.

He is currently working on several new productions for the upcoming Broadway season. One is a musical adaptation of the iconic TV series, “The Honeymooners,” which will star Tony-winner Michael McGrath (“Spamalot,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It”). “We’re really excited about it,” Kaye-Phillips said.

When he is not producing Broadway hits; he runs “Hot on Broadway,” a corporate entertainment division that produces customized musical revues starring current Broadway performers. He also is a member of the Jewish choral group Zamir Noded, which offers high-level musical opportunities for adults ages 18-30.

As busy as he is, however, he says he never fails to come home for the High Holy Day services at Temple Emanu-El with his family.

 Act of God” is playing at Studio 54 until Aug. 2. For ticket information go to:  AnActOfGod.com or  Telecharge.com 

SETH CHITWOOD is a graduate of R.I. College where he majored in Theater Performance and Film Studies. He is the creator of the LA Web Festival award-winning web series Family Problems and Lungs. More information at angelwoodpictures.com.