BY DAVE BENJAMIN
Staff Writer
The chances of producing a Broadway play that wins a Tony Award can be pretty slim, but for Jay and Cindy Gutterman that dream became a reality in New York City on June 5 when the name “Glengarry Glen Ross” was called as a winner and they approached the stage to receive a Tony Award for producing the best revival of the Broadway season.
The Guttermans are former residents of Manalapan who presently reside in northern New Jersey. Their children are graduates of Manalapan High School. Their daughter, Samantha, is an actress, and their son, Lance, is an executive with the British Broadcasting Company. They have relatives in Manalapan, Cindy’s brother, Dr. Steve Silberberg, and his wife, Nina.
Jay said the entire evening of June 5 was like an out-of-body experience.
“We sat in the auditorium with the biggest stars in the industry,” he said. “When our category came up we figured that it was fun to be there and be nominated. But when ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ was called, my goodness!”
Cindy said she and Jay ran out of their seats and did not recall how they made it up to the podium.
“We looked out and saw people like Billy Crystal actually applauding us,” said Jay. “It was such an honor to be part of this producing team and work with this wonderful cast. They were so supportive of each other and their producers.”
The revival of “Glengarry Glen Ross” features actors who are well known for their numerous performances on television, in movies and on stage: Alan Alda, Tom Wopat, Gordon Clapp, Jeffrey Tambor, Frederick Weller and Liev Schreiber, who was honored with a Tony Award for best featured actor in a drama.
Winning the Tony Award “is the most prestigious award one can receive in the theater industry,” Cindy said. “It also has elevated us to a much higher status, whereby we are now being contacted by some of the most famous producers and writers in the industry. Currently we are in negotiations for another property, which we cannot talk about until contracts are signed.”
The Guttermans have been producing for several years and have been involved with a number of projects.
“We started with the late, great Alexander Cohen, raising funds for ‘Taking Sides,’ which starred Ed Harris on Broadway,” said Jay. “We then went on to mount ‘The Scent of the Roses,’ which starred Julie Harris, ‘Love, Janis’ at the Village Theater’ ‘Hank Williams: Lost Highway,’ which received Drama Desk and Outer Critic Circle nominations, and ‘Brooklyn: The Musical,’ before ‘Glengarry, Glen Ross.’ ”
Mort Swinsky, who was one of the Guttermans’ partners on the Hank Williams show, asked them to participate in “Glengarry Glen Ross.”
“When we heard the cast, we jumped at the opportunity,” said Jay.
“Glengarry Glen Ross” opened on Broadway May 1, late in the season, but in time to be considered for a Tony Award. It will run through Aug. 28.
“We are now playing to packed houses, which is a joy,” said Cindy
“Glengarry Glen Ross” was written by David Mamet and was first presented in England in September 1983. The play had its American debut in February 1984. The story reveals the behind-the-scenes cut-throat goings on of a slimy real estate office.
“It’s every man for himself at any cost,” said Jay. “It portrays the dark side of salesmanship as personalities compete with one another.”
“Glengarry Glen Ross” is playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 West 45th Street, New York. Tickets can be purchased at Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200 or 1-800-432-7250 outside metro New York.