The Araca Group, the Broadway producer and merchandising firm, has launched a new division, Araca Media & Entertainment, to develop and manage Broadway-inspired entertainment properties across film, TV digital and stage.
Araca has tapped Michael Barra (pictured above), the former head of Stageworks Media, to lead the new branch of the company, which will partner with studios, networks, music publishers, artist managers and consumer brands in developing projects, including adaptations and reboots of well-known entertainment properties. Also on the docket is original scripted and unscripted programming for digital video distribution, featuring Broadway names alongside digital stars.
Araca Group, led by Matthew Rego, Michael Rego and Hank Unger, is a producer of ongoing stage hit “Wicked” as well as recent titles “Skylight” and “Disgraced,” with licensing and brand management clients including “Wicked” and “The Book of Mormon.” Beyond Broadway, Araca is a founding partner of Her Universe, the clothing line for female sci-fi and fantasy fans. The company has offices in New York, L.A., Vegas, Chicago, London and Sydney.
Barra recently sold Stageworks Media, which developed “Cheers: Live on Stage” and pop-hit jukebox musical “Cyrano de BurgerShack,” to private equity firm Rebel Rebel Capital. At Araca he’ll work with the company’s senior team of execs, with a base of operations in the company’s New York and L.A. outposts.
