About Lou Spisto

Lou Spisto is a theater and arts executive, TONY-nominated producer, and film writer/director. He has worked with top creative talents on Broadway, London's West End, and in independent film. Lou has raised millions for arts organizations, including a $75 million campaign for a new theater at the Old Globe in San Diego. He has helped five major arts organizations grow, reduce debt, and improve programs, with budgets over $20 million. In 2019, Lou became Executive Director & Producer of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, where he helped rebuild its finances and programs, marking a key achievement in his career.

Representive Productions

  • Ten Whys

    Short Film

    Aden Emili, a lawyer has just moved to Minnesota, after a police officer confesses to the murders of 45 black men, he finds himself preparing for the biggest interview of his life. During the interview Mark reveals haunting details of his past killings including the murder of Aden's father, before collapsing and dying of an asthma attack. Other police officers are forced to come to grips with their past as hundreds begin to confess to their crimes around the world.

  • The Come Up

    Short Film

    A moving portrait of two people—Melissa and Andrew—who share their lives through letters written to each other over a period lasting half a decade, never acknowledging the burgeoning possibility that there may be more to their relationship.

    Mia Farrow and Brian Dennehy starred in this witty, revealing and unforgettable exploration of how intimacy can soften the boundaries between friendship and love. The romantic drama featured a rotating cast where the two characters were played by a different celebrity duo every few weeks. Penned by A.R. Guerney, Love Letters was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990.

  • This critically acclaimed revival has made the top of every 2013 year-end list—Tennessee Williams’ classic memory play was a great success. Two-time Tony winner Cherry Jones, Emmy nominee Zachary Quinto, and Tony nominee Celia Keenan-Bolger, have made this “one for the ages.” The show recouped its investment in a matter of weeks—a great achievement for a dramatic play revival.

  • One of the most popular comedies in America is back—with a hilarious ensemble cast ready to light up Broadway.

    This Pulitzer Prize-winning, uproarious family affair is led by the legendary James Earl Jones, and features an outrageous cast of 20, including Golden Globe® nominee Rose Byrne (Neighbors, Bridesmaids), Tony Award® nominee Kristine Nielsen (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike), Tony Award® nominee Annaleigh Ashford (Kinky Boots, Masters of Sex) and Tony Award® winner Elizabeth Ashley.

    Long before “Modern Family,” there was the Sycamore family. Beginning August 26, you can join this madcap clan as they live, love and laugh in an evening sure to end up with fireworks. Don't let them light the fuse without you!

    ”A lot of shows can make you laugh. What's rare is a show that makes you beam from curtain to curtain.“ —The New York Times

  • Recorded in Hollywood

    Kirk Douglas Theatre LA

    The new musical Recorded in Hollywood returns from its sold-out, critically acclaimed, 2015 engagement, with additional songs and scenes in an all-new production. This L.A. Times Critic's pick tells the true and fascinating love, life, and times of 1950's Los Angeles entrepreneur and activist John Dolphin—the trailblazing black businessman who made his mark on the national music scene long before Motown ever existed.

    Recorded in Hollywood features 16 new songs as well as hits from the Rhythm and Blues and early Rock and Roll era.

    "Brilliantly recounts the career of L.A. music visionary John Dolphin…A rocking score and raucous period perfect choreography…the most remarkably talented cast!"

    July 8 – Aug 7, 2016

    Kirk Douglas Theatre | 9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA

  • Strangers on a Train

    London’s West End

    In a limited run as part of the 2013/14 Winter Season at the Gielgud Theater in London’s West End, STRANGERS ON A TRAIN is a large-scale work with an incredible track record. It’s a gripping thriller, and a tour-de-force of a production, that brought the play-goer some real magic that never stopped and literally lit up the stage. Written by Craig Warner, from Patricia Highsmith’s novel, the play became a stand-out hit of the season. Directed by Robert Allan Ackerman, the cast was led by Jack Huston and Laurence Fox—two great young actors of great acting dynasties.

  • Big Fish

    Broadway

    A musical with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and a book by John August. It is based on Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel, Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions, and the 2003 film BIG FISH written by August and directed by Tim Burton.

    The performance revolved around the relationship between Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman, and his adult son Will, who looks for what is behind his father’s tall stories.

    Lou produced the critically acclaimed musical RECORDED IN HOLLYWOOD and on London’s West End, Strangers on a Train. At the Globe and over 140 plays and musicals that spanned ten seasons.

  • Rocky

    Broadway

    Based on Sylvester Stallone’s Academy Award winning 1976 film, ROCKY was a Broadway musical for the ages. The production focused on the famous love story while also highlighting Rocky Balboa’s rise to boxing success through the rigorous training process to his prizefight.

    Using the magic of theater, the final boxing match was brought to the stage in an extraordinary coup-de-theatre, bringing the climax to a show in a way that no other production in recent memory has attempted. It was a highly theatrical and deeply moving show that captivated its viewers. Directed by Alex Timbers, and written by Tom Meehan, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

  • Love Letters

    Broadway

    The play’s means may be economical, but it etches a deep portrait of life’s painful vicissitudes.”

    —The New York Times

    A moving portrait of two people—Melissa and Andrew—who share their lives through letters written to each other over a period lasting half a decade, never acknowledging the burgeoning possibility that there may be more to their relationship.

    Mia Farrow and Brian Dennehy starred in this witty, revealing and unforgettable exploration of how intimacy can soften the boundaries between friendship and love. The romantic drama featured a rotating cast where the two characters were played by a different celebrity duo every few weeks. Penned by A.R. Guerney, Love Letters was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1990.

    The play was directed by Gregory Mosher.

    Other stars included Stacy Keach, Diana Rigg, Anjelica Huston, and Martin Sheen.

  • City Heights

    Coming soon...