Barry Weissler (born 1939), a
Rutgers Law School drop-out,[2] and Fran Weissler (born 1928), a
New York University drama major,[2][3] met in 1964 during an engagement of a touring theatrical production in New Jersey. Both worked in retailing.[2]
In 1970,[4] they formed the
National Artists Management Co., also known as Namco. Its mission was to present classic children, elementary school, high school and college audiences to professional tasks.[2] elementary schools, High School, College and adult audiences with professional casts.[5]
After years of touring Shakespearean plays on the east coast they brought Othello and Medea to Broadway in 1982. The two plays earned them their first two
Tony Award nominations. As of 2014 the pair have earned 28 Tony or
Drama Desk nominations. They have won 7 Tony Awards and 4 Drama Desk Awards.[6] The couple received the
Olivier Award[when?] for Outstanding Musical Production for their production of
Chicago in the London West End.[7]
^Catton, Pia (5 April 2016).
"Broadway Producers Try a New Recipe". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 21 November 2021. For more than three decades, the husband-and-wife team of Barry and Fran Weissler has been producing shows on Broadway. They have racked up seven Tony Awards, all for revivals, and built a reputation for highly marketable star casting.
^"Barry Weissler". Business of Entertainment.
Young Presidents' Organization. Retrieved November 21, 2021. In 1968, Barry and Fran Weissler, established National Artists Management Company, Inc. (NAMCO)