#73 - Carl Moellenberg: The Path to Survival

“All of a sudden,” says Moellenberg. “While I was sitting there, I
literally heard for about 15 - 20 minutes a deep, male voice, which
I assumed was a higher being, telling me that I had a long life to
live. It was going to be very productive and my purpose was to help
create beauty in the world. And the suggestion was made that that
beauty might be through helping to create theatre.” According to
Carl, he came out at the absolutely worst time. And after being
diagnosed with HIV in the 1980’s, he found himself undergoing a
transition. A transition of spirit, a transition of healing, and a
transition from investment banker into a producer. He became many
things – a Reiki master, a counselor, an ordained minister – all
things focusing on what multi-hyphenating is all about. 
Regardless, Moellenberg couldn’t have started in a better place.
The first project he invested in was Wicked and the first project
he co-produced was Spring Awakening. Two very big hits. So what is
a producer? What’s their responsibilities? How does one become a
producer? Check out this episode to learn more about what goes into
producing on Broadway. Plus, in this episode check out why a ‘Why’
Statement is incredibly important to have, how everyone can
come together to make theatre more accessible, and learn about
Carl’s new book, Carl Moellenberg's Story: Broadway and
Spirituality as a Path to Survival — available wherever you
purchase books now. Carl began his career in banking, and after
debilitating illnesses threatened his life, he took a new approach
to spirituality and healing, and re-found his love and passion for
Broadway. He has since gone on to be on the producing teams for
some of Broadway's most successful shows: Spring Awakening, War
Horse, Hair, Death of a Salesman, Pippin, All the Way, The Curious
Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Dear Evan Hansen, Angels in
America, The Band’s Visit, Oklahoma, Hadestown and Company. His aim
has always been to tell compelling stories or to present stunning
music which transforms people.  “I’m incredibly excited that I
believe it is an inspirational story, and I believe it will
encourage people that are maybe early in their career in the arts
as you’ve been referring to. I believe it will be a story of
surmounting obstacles in people’s lives. That’s my sole aim – I
didn’t write it, again, to talk about me or my career as a producer
or going through each show and talking at length about all the
shows I’ve been involved with – I did it to talk about a personal
journey in hopes that my personal journey will inspire other
personal journeys. That’s what I’m excited about.” Learn more about
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