MEET NORMAN SACHS

He was first represented on Broadway with the Tony nominated musical MY OLD FRIENDS, for which he also co-authored the book. The show, which drew raves from the New York Times and Time Magazine, was later produced with Imogene Coca in the lead. Their NBC TV Musical, DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE, starred Kirk Douglas, along with a host of English stars including Sir Michael Redgrave and Donald Pleasance. It was later produced at the George Street Playhouse with John Cullum in the title role. A recent version was performed at California’s La Mirada Playhouse to critical acclaim. “Skinflint”, an NBC country music version of the Dickens Classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, starred Hoyt Axton and a host of country music stars including Mel Tillis, Barbara Mandrel and Larry Gatlin, with book by Mr. Mandel.

Mr. Sachs began writing for television’s THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS, during its two seasons. For RCA Victor’s Red Seal they wrote new musical adaptations and English Lyrics for the Operettas “Fladermaus,” “The Merry Widow,” “Waltz Dream,” and “A Night in Venice.” The distinguished singing cast included Anna Moffo, George London, Rise Stevens and Jeannette Scovotti. Mr. Sachs has scored music for TV sit-coms (Starting Fresh) and film (Checkered Flag). He was Head Writer for 26 half-hour shows of Lifetime Cable’s A WHOLE NEW YOU, and Head Writer for Magic and Beyond, 26 half-hour shows about magic and magicians, hosted by Michael York.

Mr. Sachs wrote the music for INCLUDE US, a video with songs for children which won several awards including Best Video of the Year, from the Down Syndrome Organization. Most recently he presented, PRESTO CHANGE-O!, at New York’s AMAS Musical Theatre, in which an illusionist falls in love with an illusion, the first transgender musical, and GEORGE, A MUSICAL about George Washington Carver. MY OLD FRIENDS was recently revived at The Victory Theater in California, where it won the Critics Pick award.

Mr. Sachs is a graduate of New York’s City College and has studied music at Julliard. He lives both in New York and Los Angeles.