Recently we got the chance to interview Jim Burba and Bob Hayes.
The pair has been named one of Out Magazine’s “20 Power Couples You Should Know” for the 3rd year in a row. The duo has been very successful in several industries, from producing films and Broadway shows, to writing their first book, and producing global conferences for the hotel investment community.
Jim and Bob are producing Broadway’s newest musical comedy, “Disaster!” at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre. “Disaster!” opened on March 8th and has had great reviews, including being called “Hilarious” by The New York Post, “A Triumph, Irresistible” by The New York Times and “Knockout Fun” by Time Out New York.
We asked the pair how the experience has been since the premiere “It has been fantastic. We have been with this project for a couple years since it was Off Broadway. The experience has been unlike any other we have had. It has been a wild ride, great education, so fun getting to meet everyone involved in the show, and nerve racking at times, but an experience we never thought we would have, and one that we hope to have again in the future.”
After seeing “Disaster!” Off Broadway they knew it was something special. When they saw it, they laughed so hard throughout the show. “Jim and I were both products of the 70s and we grew up in the 70s. We can really relate to the movies the musical is based on and we are very familiar with the music,” Bob told us. Since getting involved producing the musical, they have had rave reviews not only from celebrities but also some of their closest friends who have already seen it 2 or 3 times.
On one of their favorite scenes: Jennifer Simard plays the nun (Sister Mary). She has an unusual relationship with a prophecy in the first act. We start cracking up before she gets to her piece, because she’s so funny. There’s not a weak part, they are great actors, great singers, and there are great songs.”
Jim and Bob are also Executive Producers on the film “Walking Out” which was filmed during the winter in Montana. “Walking Out” recently wrapped up filming. The film starring Matt Bomer from USA’s “White Collar”, Bill Pullman, and Josh Wiggins.
Next September, their book “Smart Partners”will be released! They have been together for 26 years and working professionally together for 16 years. People ask them all the time how they are able to work with their partner. This started their journey writing “Smart Partners”. “It shows why we feel we have been successful in life and as business partners at the same time.” The book shares their partnership principals and how to be in a successful partnership. They use their own unique experiences, throughout the book presenting these principles for building, sustaining, and growing relationships in business and life, and how to form true partnerships.
Jim and Bob have been very busy traveling the country pursuing many different avenues. While traveling, they use their time on planes as a time to relax, watch a movie, have a glass of wine, and spend some time together outside of work. When they have the opportunity for some down time, they like to head to Palm Springs to relax. Their drink of choice: martinis!
Keep up to date with Jim and Bob!
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