

There's No Business Like Scam Business | 128
Oct 21, 2024
Garth Drabinsky's rise to fame in theater is both inspiring and controversial. From staging mega-hits like Phantom of the Opera to facing intense financial pressures, his journey is riddled with ambition and deception. The podcast dives into the darker side of theater management, showcasing the struggles of producers and the unethical choices made under financial duress. It also touches on the personal cost of ambition and the quest for redemption in a cutthroat industry. Trust issues and questionable practices in entertainment are explored, revealing a world ripe for scandal.
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Garth's Early Life
- Garth Drabinsky, a theater producer, overcame childhood polio and multiple surgeries.
- This fueled his "never say die" attitude and led him to his passion for theater production.
Phantom of the Opera
- Inspired by Phantom of the Opera, Garth secured its Canadian rights despite Cineplex's financial struggles.
- He renovated the Pantages Theater, betting on Phantom's success to save his job.
Cineplex to Live Ent
- Phantom's Toronto premiere was a success, but Garth couldn't save Cineplex.
- He bought the Pantages and Phantom rights, transitioning to theater production.