Broadway Baby by Russell Miller & Judith Proffer
Broadway Baby is a whimsical love letter to Broadway. Our leading role, Baby, dreams of becoming a star. Those dreams take us on a truly theatrical journey from his crib to the playground to the heart of New York City, with nods to many elements that make live theatre so special.
Through beautiful illustrations, this picture book celebrates the importance of how theatre inspires creativity. It encourages children and Broadway lovers of all ages to create and be whatever you want to be, whoever you are, wherever you are, and reminds the readers that even the loftiest of dreams can come true. The book celebrates the importance of theatre and creativity - inclusive and accessible.
Written by theater operator and producer Russell Miller (Guys & Dolls, Blood Brothers, Paramour, On the Town) with Judith A. Proffer, BROADWAY BABY features exquisite illustrations by Yoko Matsuoka.
BROADWAY BABY was hailed as “a delightfully playful love letter to the New York stage” by DC Metro, while Broadway ticketing icon Ticketmaster said, “There’s no better time for a book like Broadway Baby, which captures the excitement of the stage and the spirit of the theater community.”
Miller conceived of the book while shopping for a suitable gift for his producing partner’s newborn daughter – something she could grow up with and that would represent dreams of the stage. “It was really created out of necessity, because I couldn’t find a book for theater fans and performers alike, and one that would appeal to all ages,” Miller said. “When I think of children just learning how to read, just forming their own visions and aspirations, I hope Broadway Baby will serve as a special VIP invitation to them to join our magical world of Theaterland.”
Miller wrote BROADWAY BABY with former newspaper publisher Judith A. Proffer, who has also written the children’s book When We Stayed Home and I Hope You Dance. A musical theater buff herself, Proffer helped Miller bring his concept ot life, along with Matsuoka’s illustrations and award-winning art director and graphic designer Hugh Syme.
BROADWAY BABY is being published and distributed by IPG Publications. The lavishly illustrated picture book, suitable for all ages, was released on April 4, 2023 and is available for sale on Amazon.
About the Authors:
Russell Miller is a theater producer, predominantly in the running of large and prolific commercial theaters, sports and entertainment venues. Previously as a Senior International Business Director, Russell operated 12 regional UK theatres and 10 West End theatres in London. He has overseen productions including the West End revival of ‘Guys & Dolls’ with Ewan McGregor, Patrick Swayze and Don Johnson. He also oversaw the opening of ‘On the Town’ and Cirque du Soleil’s Broadway debut hit musical, ‘Paramour’, both performed at the Lyric Theatre, Broadway’s second largest theater.
Judith A. Proffer founded Huqua Press, a division of Meteor 17 Books. Previously, Judith spent 25 years with press media (LA Weekly, OC Weekly, Village Voice Media, and Sun Community Newspaper.) She is the editor of I Hope You Dance, The Power of Spirit and Song, and co-authored When We Stayed Home. Proffer has been named one of the leading “Women Who Make A Difference” in the Southern California Community and has taught writing workshops to children, adults and incarcerated at-risk youths. She teamed with Hollywood Caterer, Gwen Kenneally, to establish Magpie Mini Pies, with proceeds benefiting local non-profits.
