The theatre institution, which abruptly closed in 2010 and has since made a comeback thanks to support from notable New Orleans native Bryan Batt, will welcome Williams as artistic director in mid-March 2015. He will be joined by managing director Katie Hallman.
"Simply put, Maxwell Williams' theatre credentials are outstanding and a perfect fit for Le Petit," said Bruce Hoefer, president of the board of governors of Le Petit Théâtre, in a statement. "He has a deep passion for New Orleans and the board of governors was impressed by his vision for Le Petit, which will cherish our legacy as a cultural icon while raising our profile on a local, regional and national level."
"I am entirely thrilled to be joining the wonderful team at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré as artistic director," Williams added. "I have been in love with New Orleans since I first visited 15 years ago, and the opportunity to contribute to the exquisite cultural heritage of the city is very much a dream come true. The staff and board of Le Petit have worked incredibly hard to lay the foundation for continued success, and I am very eager to get to know the acting community in New Orleans, and to work with the board of governors and staff to grow the theatre, its audience and its legacy."
In addition to his work with Hartford Stage, Williams served as associate director for the Broadway production of Horton Foote's Dividing the Estate, as well as Foote's nine-play epic The Orphans' Home Cycle (Hartford Stage and Signature Theatre). He has assistant-directed on Broadway for Roundabout Theatre Company, Manhattan Theatre Club, Lincoln Center Theater, Philadelphia Theatre Company and the American Repertory Theater.
Hallman previously worked as director of concert operations for Manhattan Concert Productions, which produced the high-profile concert presentations of Ragtime and Titanic at Avery Fisher Hall. She previously worked at Le Poisson Rouge and The Guthrie Theater. The theatre's upcoming productions include Jesus Christ Superstar, Dinner with Friends and Merrily We Roll Along.
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