Broadway, West End and Australian theater production company Michael Cassel Group (MCG) has announced a new appointment. Executive producer Zachary Baer has been named head of producing and creative development for North America, a newly created position that the company’s CEO and producer Michael Cassel said is reflective of the group’s further international growth.
Baer comes from Wagner Johnson Productions (WJP), a Broadway producing and general management company responsible for such shows as the Tony Award-winning Best Play “Stereophonic,” “Good Night and Good Luck,” “John Proctor Is the Villain” and this past season’s “Oedipus” and “Dog Day Afternoon.” Baer began there as an associate producer before becoming executive producer and later adding head of development and director of marketing to his duties. Prior to WJP, Baer worked for Disney Theatrical Group and Roundabout Theatre Company.
In his new role with MCG, Baer will lead producing and creative development for the U.S. and Canada. He’ll also collaborate with Cassel to develop new productions for New York, London, Australia and other markets.
“Michael Cassel Group is producing and developing some of the most phenomenal work in the world right now, and the ambition here is extraordinary,” said Baer in a statement. “It is a genuine privilege to join this accomplished team and to build this slate with such brilliant artists. I’m looking forward to everything we’re going to create together.”
“This appointment is a reflection of where the company is heading — and of the journey our work is on, from development through to the stage,” added Cassel. “Zack brings extraordinary instincts as a producer and a genuine passion for new work. We are already seeing that bear fruit: ‘Grim’ premieres at La Jolla Playhouse in November, and ‘The Hello Girls’ recently completed a stellar run at Syracuse Stage.”
“Zack is exactly the person to lead our North American activity as we continue to build and deliver that pipeline,” Cassel continued. “This appointment represents a step change in our capacity and our ambition.”
Founded in Australia, MCG launched the Australian premieres of Broadway musicals like “Beetlejuice” and “MJ” (the latter of which the company also co-produces on the Main Stem). The organization is responsible for international tours like “Beetlejuice” and “Hamilton” and will soon launch the international tour of “MJ.” Beyond “Grim” and “The Hello Girls,” the group is also working on the Australian premiere of “Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical” and the world premiere of “The Castle.”
Previously, the company served as the worldwide executive producer for “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” which followed its Sydney premiere with productions on Broadway and the West End. The company’s other Main Stem co-producing credits include “Redwood,” “Almost Famous” and the 2022 revival of “Into the Woods.” MCG also produces for the screen, represents individual clients, has a ticketing division that serves Australia and New Zealand and operates the record label Michael Cassel Music. The company has offices in Sydney (headquarters), New York, London and Melbourne.
