Ivan will work closely with Kimbell through the end of the 2007 North Shore season and will assume the jobs full time in February 2008. Ivan will also direct and choreograph at least one NSMT production each season.

In a statement Ivan said, "It is with great pleasure and sincere commitment that I accept this position. Under Jon Kimbell's direction, NSMT has gained an outstanding reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theatre arts and education programs. My overarching goal in moving forward is to work with the Board of Trustees and staff to build on these considerable accomplishments and further develop and implement the artistic vision of North Shore Music Theatre."

David Fellows, chairman of the NSMT Board of Trustees, added, "Barry's extensive history with North Shore Music Theatre combined with his tremendous arts industry knowledge and expertise, make him the ideal person to serve as the chief artistic officer of NSMT. As the director and choreographer of several of NSMT's most popular and critically acclaimed productions, Barry has an acute understanding of audience trends and tastes. His guidance and expertise will be essential to the future growth and development of the Theatre."

Current artistic director Kimbell commented, "Barry's commitment and dedication to the musical theatre art form and to inspiring future generations of theatre goers and artists, are qualities I greatly admire. Over the past 25 years, the Board, the staff and I have built a nationally recognized performing arts organization and under Barry's leadership I am confident that the theatre will reach even greater heights by continuing to celebrate, perpetuate and invigorate the art of musical theatre."

A nationally recognized director and choreographer, Ivan's career includes work in New York City theatre, television and film. He has directed and choreographed over 20 musicals at NSMT and was a guest director at Yale University. A four-time Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) nominee for Best Director and Best Choreographer, Ivan's productions of The Full Monty and Hairspray at NSMT both received IRNE awards for Best Musical. Ivan's other regional credits include productions of Company (with Malcolm Gets and Michele Pawk), Anything Goes (with Carolee Carmello) and several productions of A Little Night Music (including one staging with Dee Hoty and Beth Leavel). Ivan also staged Maury Yeston's In the Beginning and recently directed Tales of Tinsel Town for The Director's Company in Manhattan.

For more information visit www.nsmt.org.