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Who

Along with Richard Frankel, Marc Routh and Thomas Viertel, Baruch is a partner in Richard Frankel Productions, the Broadway powerhouse that has put on mega-hits like The Producers.

Backstory

Baruch started out in real estate at White Plains's Presidential Realty (where he remains executive vice president) before making the leap to theater. After watching magicians Penn and Teller perform in a Los Angeles comedy club in 1984, Baruch and his third cousin/Presidential partner, Thomas Viertel, jumped into the industry, teaming up with Richard Frankel at Richard Frankel Productions and Marc Routh. Penn and Teller became their first production, debuting on Broadway in 1985. They've backed a long list of hits (as well as the occasional misfire) since, and have expanded their geographic reach to include productions in Las Vegas, London, and Asia.

Of note

Along with the Weisslers, Roger Berlind, Daryl Roth, and Bob Boyett, RFP is one of the most prolific production outfits on Broadway. Over the years they've been the force behind an impressive string of successes, including Tony Kushner's Angels in America; Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair De Lune; A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum; The Producers starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick; the 1994 revival of Damn Yankees; the Marc Shaiman-directed Hairspray; the 2006 revival of Company; and the Las Vegas runs of The Producers and Stomp.

Trophy case

Baruch and partners likely have a sturdy set of bookcases to hold all their accolades. RFP's awards include 33 Tonys, 4 Grammys, 40 Drama Desk Awards, and a pair of Pulitzers. Most recently, Baruch and the RFP team won the 2006 Tony for Best Revival of a Musical for Sweeney Todd.

For the record

RFP has developed a reputation for allowing smaller investors to get into the game; some backers have put up as little as $10,000 in capital. But that doesn't mean just anyone can get in—RFP held a lottery to determine who would get to put their money into The Producers.

Personal

Baruch lives in Purchase with his wife Eda.