Norman René

Norman Rene first made his mark as a director working primarily off-Broadway and in regional theater. He was co-founder and artistic director of the acclaimed The Production Company from 1977 to 1985. While Rene had directed the work of many writers, he was best-known for his many collaborations with writer Craig Lucas. The pair met in 1980 when Lucas fashioned a musical revue from lesser-known Stephen Sondheim songs, "Marry Me A Little," which was presented at The Production Company in NYC. Subsequently, Rene directed nearly all of Lucas' plays including "Blue Window" (1984), which he helmed for PBS in 1987, and the chamber musical "Three Postcards" (1987). He won praise for his sensitive handling of George Furth's autobiographical drama "Precious Sons" (1986), which also marked his Broadway directorial debut.