Trinidadian-born Randy Simon, an Emmy-nominated television and film producer-director, has taken the New York stage directing debut with the world premiere production of “The Duchess Of LES: An AI Musical From Little Ukraine” by Denis Woychuk.
This production, featuring music direction by Dana “Che” Belmond and choreography by Sarah Shah, will grace The Kraine Theatre in the East Village from November 16 through December 3.
Simon, along with fellow Trinidadian Lisa Franklyn-Zaidi and Executive Producer Lori Schwarz, co-produces this innovative project.
A tale of love, betrayal, and temptation
Set in 1980s Little Ukraine, New York City, “The Duchess of LES” is a musical that delves into themes of love, betrayal of the Code, and the irresistible pull of temptation.
The narrative revolves around Simon Vinnitskiy, a young breakdancer who finds himself entangled in a forbidden love affair with his psychotic brother’s wife.
According to production notes, the musical encapsulates “all the broken dreams and grand hopes that make America the country it is,” and that “from the synth arpeggios to the driving drum beats, the music will transport you back to the dance sounds of the 80s, as imagined by AI.”
From Trinidad to the Big Apple: Randy Simon’s artistic journey
For Randy Simon, whose 2018 Emmy Award nomination recognized his role as Assistant Director for the public service campaign “Would You Know If Someone Was Following Your Child Online?” – this New York stage debut as a producer and director represents another significant milestone in his artistic journey.
Simon’s passion for storytelling and intricate graphic arts, nurtured during his childhood in Trinidad and Tobago and later in the USA, ultimately led him to explore the world of film.
His trajectory in the film industry began as a production assistant on the arthouse thriller “The Golden Boat,” where his dedication and efficiency earned him a promotion to 2nd Unit Location Manager.
This auspicious start paved the way for Simon’s involvement in a diverse array of projects, ranging from commercials to PSA campaigns and reality shows, working alongside industry luminaries like Oscar-winner Casey Affleck, Joe Brewster, Giancarlo Esposito, Madison Davis Lacy, Mos Def, and James Schamus.
A visionary in the entertainment industry
Establishing his own company, RFSWolf Entertainment LLC, in 2004, Simon has collaborated with notable entities such as the New York Yankees’ Joe Torre and Jorge Posada’s Foundations, The National Park Service, The Children’s Aid Society, The Board of Education, Sesame Street, and more. His projects address critical societal issues, including gun violence, voting rights, child abuse, HIV, stroke awareness, and school-related health concerns.
Among his proudest achievements is the “African Burial Ground” installation, commemorating the more than 50,000 slaves buried in New York City’s Wall Street area.
Additionally, he serves as a producer for the urban drama film “Third Week,” directed by his longtime friend and collaborator Jordi Torrent, which will be screened at Rome’s MIA (Mercato Internazionale Audiovisivo) Festival in 2024.
A natural evolution into theatre
As Simon explains, “Going into theatre at this point in my career is just a natural evolution for me as an artist.”
His creative journey has taken him from photography to film, producing, and directing for visual media. Now, he embraces the challenge of theatre, a new medium for him, with great enthusiasm.
Simon is especially excited about directing “The Duchess of LES” because it offers him the opportunity to breathe life into characters before a live audience for the first time.
Moreover, he is a staunch advocate and supporter of the LGBTQIA community, and the show’s exploration of gender norms and boundary-pushing aligns with his positive outlook. He concludes, “I couldn’t think of a better way to start my theatrical career in the world’s foremost theatrical city.”
A stellar all-female cast
“The Duchess of LES” boasts an all-female cast, featuring talented performers like Allison Brooke Clark, Stalinada “Stalina” Gurbechenko, Sarah Shah, Marion Stenfort, and Amanda Vazquez, along with understudy Romy Turner.