American theatre producer Stephen Byrd, who is this year’s gala patron for Plié for the Arts’ Amalgamation, says he is open to opportunities to collaborate with more Jamaican producers on their projects.

Byrd was speaking at a session dubbed Producing the Arts held at the Robeson American Center at the United States Embassy in Kingston on Thursday.

“It depends on the projects. I partnered with Chris Blackwell on a musical called
Get Up, Stand Up! in London, so I’m quite open. There’s nothing like new ideas; I thrive on ideas, and so I welcome any thoughts that you’d like to share,” he told the small room of specially invited guests.

The renowned producer is on the island ahead of this weekend’s production, which will take place between August 24-25 at Little Theatre.

It will feature talents from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre with pieces such as
Fix Me Jesus from the most-watched modern dance in history, Revelations, choreographed by the company’s late founder and artistic director Alvin Ailey.

Michael Jackson Jr, as well as Constance Stamatiou-Lopez, will share on the Amalgamation stage.

Other international dancers on Amalgamation will be rising star Madison Brown, recently promoted to company member of the American Ballet Theatre, and international soloist Ildar Young, guest soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet.

The eclectic Ashley Green of Alvin Ailey will premiere a solo to the music of Nina Simone.

Meanwhile, Byrd says he anticipates a memorable production at Amalgamation. According to him, in his three decades of visiting Jamaica, this trip boasts first-time experiences.

“It’s the first time I’ve packed a tuxedo to come to Jamaica; it’s usually bathing suits. I just love the country. It’s an amalgamation of so many diverse artists. It is artistry; it’s pure, it’s unique, and it’s something that I’m looking forward to seeing beyond this weekend,” he added.

Byrd founded Front Row Productions, Inc, where he still serves as its CEO/president, along with his producing partner Alia Harvey Jones.

The 10-time, multi Tony Award-nominated and Olivier Award-winning producers have been working in theatre and film both on Broadway and London’s West End for over 17 years, with over 20 productions.

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, with an all-star, black cast — which was a first for Broadway — of James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad, Terrence Howard, Anika Noni Rose, Giancarlo Esposito, and Wood Harris.

The show went on to become the highest-grossing play on Broadway and winner of the Olivier Award in London.

For her part, Plié’s founder Marisa Benain promised an exciting showcase, but noted that the quality will continue to improve for the coming years.

“I never, ever think small. I don’t know what small is. The vision that I have for the [show’s] opening is coming alive because of Michael [Holgate], Conroy [Wilson], and Gregory Simms because we’re making do with what we have here. You might see a show and think it is really great, but it is still on the surface of what we really want to do,” she said.