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Cameron MackintoshThe most famous and successful producer in the field of musical theater
Date of Birth: 17.10.1946
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Cameron Mackintosh
Cameron Anthony Mackintosh, the renowned producer in the field of musical theatre, has turned musicals into a thriving commercial enterprise. He introduced merchandise related to the productions, such as t-shirts, caps, mugs, badges, and posters, which have generated significant profits for both the producers and the fans. This increase in revenue has allowed for extravagant modern sets and spectacular productions. Mackintosh is considered the most famous and successful producer in the field of musical theatre, with over 30 musicals to his credit. He owns seven London theatres and is the third wealthiest person in the British show business industry, with a net worth estimated at £360 million - £10 million more than Andrew Lloyd Webber. However, profit alone has not been the driving force behind all of Mackintosh's endeavors. He has often stated that the process of creating a show is his primary focus. "For me, it's important to bring it to the premiere, and if the show receives worldwide recognition, it's just a pleasant addition." Mackintosh has successfully turned musicals into a lucrative commercial venture by introducing merchandise associated with the productions, bringing immense joy to fans and significant profits to the producers. This increase in revenue has allowed for the creation of lavish modern sets and spectacular productions.
Early Life
Cameron Anthony Mackintosh was born on October 17, 1946, in Hertfordshire. He was the eldest of three sons. His father, Ian Mackintosh, who was half Scottish, traded in timber and played the trumpet in a band called "The Troglodytes" under the pseudonym Spike. Mackintosh's mother, Diana, was half French and half Maltese. When Cameron was eight years old, he had a life-changing experience when he saw his first musical. It was Julian Slade's "Salad Days," and he was brought to the show by his aunt. It was at that moment that Cameron decided he would become a producer in the world of musical theatre. Even in his childhood, Mackintosh had his own theater - a puppet theater for which he wrote scripts, while his younger brother, Robert, moved the figurines. After finishing school, Cameron attempted to become an actor by enrolling in the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. However, he soon left the school as he was compelled to study the history of ancient Greek theater, whereas his interest lay in practical aspects rather than theory. At the age of 18, Mackintosh got a job as a stagehand in the musical "Camelot" for a weekly wage of seven pounds. He also earned an additional seven pounds for cleaning the auditorium after the show. Although Cameron's salary was modest, he took great care of his image from the very beginning of his career. He rented a two-room apartment in a prestigious area of London, commuted to work only by taxi, and always dressed impeccably. It was during this time that Cameron befriended Alan Jay Lerner, one of the authors of "Camelot."
Career
In 1969, Mackintosh organized the first production under his name. He revived Cole Porter's musical "Anything Goes" at the Kenton Theatre, but the show failed and closed two weeks after its premiere. In 1970, Mackintosh faced another setback with the theatrical version of the popular radio show "The Dales" not lasting long on the stage, leaving Cameron with a debt of £15,000 to the National Westminster Bank. The young producer then changed his approach to productions. In 1973, he staged a new musical, "A Card" by Tony Hatch and Joan Hickson, instead of another version of an old musical, but it didn't bring him financial success or fame. The show lasted only six months. It wasn't until 1976 that Cameron achieved success as a producer with the musical "Side By Side." The production ran for 781 performances, generating enormous profits. Investments amounted to £6,000, while the income reached £100,000. In the same year, Cameron had another successful production with the revival of "Oliver!," Lionel Bart's musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist." He went on to produce "Godspell" by Schwartz and revivals of "Oklahoma!" by Rodgers and Hammerstein and "My Fair Lady." The turning point in the producer's life came with his encounter with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Their meeting in 1978, during the ceremony for the West End Theatre Awards at the Royal Cafe, did not bode well. Mackintosh was in charge of organizing the event, and Lloyd Webber's rock opera "Evita" had been awarded the Best Musical of the Year by the Theatrical Council. Therefore, an aria from "Evita," "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," was supposed to be performed at the ceremony. Cameron faced technical difficulties, and Lloyd Webber was dissatisfied with the sound of his music, expressing his dissatisfaction to Mackintosh. In his inebriated state, the producer was ready to confront Lloyd Webber but refrained from doing so.
In 1980, the composer remembered their encounter and invited Cameron to produce his new musical, "Cats," which brought him not only immense profits but also worldwide recognition. Simultaneously with "Cats," Mackintosh worked on the musical "Tomfoolery" by Tom Lehrer. He collaborated with Lloyd Webber several more times: in 1982, he produced his musical "Song and Dance," and in 1986, he produced "The Phantom of the Opera." In 1983, Cameron worked with Tim Rice, Lloyd Webber's former collaborator, on his musical "Blondel" (music by Stephen Oliver), which lasted only three weeks. Three times, Mackintosh produced musicals by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil: "Les Misérables" in 1985, "Miss Saigon" in 1989, and "Martin Guerre" in 1996. In 1996, Cameron was knighted for his services to the British theatre. In 1998, a concert was held to celebrate his 30 years as a producer. Scenes and arias from shows produced by Mackintosh were performed at the concert, hosted by Julia Andrews, the actress known to Russian audiences for the musical film "The Sound of Music." Among those who came to congratulate Mackintosh were musical theatre stars such as Elaine Paige, Colm Wilkinson, Michael Ball, Lea Salonga, Jonathan Pryce, Bernadette Peters, and others. The highlight of the concert was a duet performed by Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber, who played a four-hand piano rendition and sang a parody of the songs "Send In The Clowns" and "Music of the Night." Cameron also decided to participate and sang a line from the musical "Salad Days," the show that inspired him to pursue a career as a musical theatre producer during his youth.
In recent times, Sir Cameron Mackintosh has faced some challenges in his business. He has mentioned on several occasions that it is time to make way for the younger generation of producers. His extravagant production of "Swan Lake," where all roles were performed by men, failed miserably. The musical "The Witches of Eastwick," another show produced by Mackintosh, closed in London in October 2001 after 504 performances. Recently, it was announced that "Cats" will have its final performance in May 2002. However, Mackintosh's revival of "My Fair Lady" in 2001 received a Laurence Olivier Award nomination, and in February, "Oklahoma!" will open in New York.
Regarding his personal life, little is known about Cameron Mackintosh. He has a non-traditional sexual orientation and has been living with his partner, Australian photographer Michael Le Poer, for the past 15 years.
