The “wise man” – Art McLaughlin. The “it” – the wild world of production.  For almost 40 years, Mr. McLaughlin has been a pioneering member in the business, notably, and feel free to extend “notably” to just about ALL of Art’s career.  This time for his contributions to the show Golden Boys, which has been on the road since 1985.   Ferro Productions had the privilege of catching up with Art for an in-depth interview on his expansive career.

Golden Boys features three of the 1950′s and 1960’s greatest music sensations: Frankie Avalon, Fabian, and Bobby Rydell.  BONUS MATERIAL: for those aficionados of the era(s), it comes as no surprise that all 3 singers hail from South Philadelphia.  Rydell and Avalon used to do shows together for USO’s and Vets hospitals before they were even teenagers.  Fabian lived on 11^thStreet, a ½ a block away from Rydell, yet they never really meet until they were each stars outside of an occasional game of pool or hoops at a place called the South Philadelphia Boys Club.

Band members rehearsing before a “Golden Boys” show

The show has toured around the world since 1985, under the direction of Art McLaughlin, thousands of successful performances have been masterfully produced showcasing each of the three performers and their most popular hits. In the past, the group performed over 100 shows per year, bringing on thrilled crowds of all shapes and sizes.  Nowadays, by choice and their golf schedule, they select a few dates every year to perform, making it all the more worthwhile to the fans.  So… what is Mr. McLaughlin’s role in all of this?  To put it simply: A LOT.  ”On Golden Boys I am the Tour Manager, the Production Manager, the Road Manager, the Lighting Director, the Front of House guy, and I’m the Video Director,” Art shares with us modestly as if one key role wasn’t enough!

WOW!  We were intrigued, and although familiar with the different role’s Art named, the fact that it was soley he who fulfilled them, simply lead us to wanting to know more.   We wanted to know EXACTLY what his responsibilities were for as many titles as were named.  So her we go…

Art as Tour Manager- ”I am responsible for all the logistics to make sure that people get where they need to get.  To make sure that we have the right crew, to make sure we have the right travel plans, to make sure that the artists are comfortable… just to make sure that things are kind of going along the way they are supposed to.  Dealing with the building, with any corporate people, any tech people, and then the artists themselves.”

Art as Production Manager-  “I’m responsible for getting whatever technical gear is needed and dealing with local crew and the unions, and basically for building the show from the time you open the door until rehearsal is over.  Once the show starts the production managers job is done until the show is over.”

Art as Road Manager- ”Well, a road manager basically deals with talent, deals with the artist, deals with the band.  I make sure they get to rehearsal on time… make sure the artists are comfortable.  What they eat, if they want something to drink, what time are they actually coming for sound check?  Is there a hotel room for them when they get into town?  Does the bus driver have a runner to take him back?  So, the road manager just keeps the schedule going.  It would be like an executive assistant at a corporate job.”

Multi-tasking at its finest…

Growing up in Kearny, New Jersey, Mr. McLaughlin never thought his career path would be as such. Often times when one is starting out, what they envision to be turns out to be something completely different and more exciting than anyone would ever imagine.  And so it was for Art.  Specifically, in this industry, no one ever ends up where they started. Like many others in the production industry, Art began as a musician.  In the early days he performed at local bars and clubs: six sets a night, for six nights a week, at a rate of $50 dollars a night.  After attending the Manhattan School of Music, Mr. McLaughlin got his foot in the door of the production business, working as a music director.  When Art decided that he didn’t like the way the show was produced, he took the initiative to start up his own production company and do the things the way he believed they should be done.

 After a long day of setting up, these seats will soon be filled with cheering fans, thanks to Mr. McLaughlin

In the early stages of his company’s development, Art knew he needed to do things that would set him apart from all of the other production companies that were already out there.  He did EVERYTHING the right way.  He had the best equipment and produced the best product possible, all for minimal money.  ”I did everything the right way, and any money I made, I reinvested in my company because I felt that in the long run I would be able to built a successful business, and that’s what happened,” said Mr. McLaughlin.

Art’s impressive career has taken him all over the world.  Venues like Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Universal Amphitheatre Los Angeles, Carnegie Hall, and Madison Square Garden, just to name a few.   He insists that all of his accomplishments can be accredited to the passion he has for the industry, and also to the fact that he has a ton of fun doing what he does so well.   After all of the years and all of the performances, we had to ask Mr. McLaughlin if he still got the same rush from it all…He replied, “Absolutely.  There’s nothing like having ten or twelve thousand people stand up at the end of a show to cheer for the artist and I know that I had something to do with that.”

And that’s a quote from an industry legend who’s been there, done that and has a very unique perspective on the history of the/our entertainment business.  We thank you Art for sharing some of the most amazing behind the scene stories from your doing the last show at the Desert Inn, Las Vegas to being a part of the roving Diplomatic Corps to all the legendary venues of America, making sure the show DOES GO ON!!!!

Showtime!

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