Manny Kladitis is the Founder and President of Niko Companies LTD., a group of theatrical Production and Management companies. This Show Biz powerhouse has a long list of successful productions under his belt including a new touring production of Bye Bye Birdie for the upcoming season, the national tour of The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas starring Ann Margret, Saturday Night Fever on Broadway, the highly acclaimed national tour and Broadway production of Hello, Dolly!, the 20th Anniversary production of Evita, as well as all the productions of Tony Randall’s National Actors Theatre. His management company is currently involved in the Broadway production of Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays, the national tour of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning I Am My Own Wife and Marc Salem’s Mind Games on Broadway. Kladitis’ amazing work ethic and unbelievable track record truly inspires colleagues to get out there and make things happen!
Animal Fair had the pleasure of spending some time with Kladitis, who was enthusiastic to share stories about the two shining stars in his life … his loyal Alapaha Blue Blood bulldogs, Alabama and Clarence! Their names were based on the movie True Romance because “being dogs from the South, I felt these names were very Southern in feel.” He admits that these gorgeous canines even inspire him at the office. “They help in relaxing me when there is stress and other pressures at work. You can always work better in a relaxed state.” Apparently, he’s not the only one who feels this way! “They really are the mascots of the office and many other Broadway offices. Kladitis shares some funny moments: “Alabama was found riding the elevator one day from floor to floor. She was returned to us after the entire day in the elevator! These dogs have dined in many fine restaurants here in New York with Show Business people and sat with the best of them. It took one employee three lunches to realize that he should put his food away or not leave it unattended at his desk. I finally had to tell him after the third tuna sandwich, that the dogs were obviously smarter than he was!”
These little rascals certainly have a knack for spotting remarkable talent as well. “My pets have their own personalities. When Alabama was in the office with about seven people, she chose Billy Crystal out of the group to go to and lick (kiss)!” Smart dog. Looks like their papa taught them well.
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