Lawrence Kasha

Lawrence Kasha was a respected American theatre director, producer, playwright, and stage manager whose work left a significant mark on Broadway and television. Born on December 3, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, Kasha began his career in the mid-1950s and steadily rose through the ranks of theatrical production. His early work backstage helped shape his understanding of performance, timing, and collaboration—qualities that would later define his success as a creative leader.

Kasha started as a production assistant and stage manager on major Broadway shows, including Silk Stockings, Li’l Abner, Whoop-Up, Happy Town, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. In 1962, he transitioned into directing, launching summer-stock productions in Toronto. This shift marked the beginning of a prolific creative period, during which he would direct and produce numerous acclaimed productions.

His first major Broadway producing credit came with She Loves Me in 1963, a collaboration with Hal Prince. He then directed Bajour and served as associate director for Funny Girl, later directing the show’s West End production starring Barbra Streisand. Kasha also directed a revival of Show Boat at Lincoln Center and the London production of Mame, starring Ginger Rogers, further establishing his reputation as a skilled and versatile director.

Kasha achieved major success as a producer with the 1970 musical Applause, starring Lauren Bacall, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. He went on to produce several other notable shows, including Seesaw, Woman of the Year, Hadrian VII, Inner City, Father’s Day, and No Hard Feelings. He also adapted and directed the stage version of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, which toured successfully before reaching Broadway.

Later in his career, Kasha expanded into television, serving as a producer and co-executive producer on the popular series Knots Landing. He was widely respected in both the theatre and television industries for his leadership, creativity, and mentorship. Lawrence Kasha passed away on September 29, 1990, in Los Angeles, due to complications related to AIDS. His legacy lives on through the many productions he shaped and the artists he inspired across multiple generations.