(HOLLYWOOD PRESS CORPS) — Worldwide — The Hollywood Press Corps recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the vibrant and multifaceted David Rothenberg, a theater professional, political activist, author, radio host, and press agent. Rothenberg is set to release his highly anticipated book, “Manhattan Mayhem,” in April 2025, and he shared insights into his new work as well as his lifelong commitment to social activism, particularly through his platform, The Fortune Society.
Rothenberg’s passion for helping incarcerated individuals began in 1967 when he founded The Fortune Society with just $36 in a shared bank account. He said it was like a Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland picture where they decide to put on a play. This grassroots initiative has since grown significantly, with many of its counselors being former convicts themselves. Rothenberg emphasized the importance of providing support to those who have been incarcerated, focusing on securing part-time jobs and legal assistance for them. His dedication to this cause was evident when he recalled receiving a $5,000 check from a lawyer who believed in their mission.
While building The Fortune Society, Rothenberg continued to thrive in the theater world, working behind the scenes with some of Hollywood’s brightest stars, including Elizabeth Taylor and Bette Davis. His life took a pivotal turn during the infamous Attica prison riot, where he was granted access to the prison yard amidst chaos and gunfire. This harrowing experience solidified his commitment to advocating for the rights of the incarcerated.
For over 20 years, The Fortune Society has implemented creative programs aimed at helping individuals reintegrate into society. JoAnne Page ran The Fortune Society for 35 years and recently retired, passing the baton to the current President and CEO, Stanley Richards, who took on the role on January 1, 2024. Richards, a formerly incarcerated man of color, has dedicated his life to criminal justice reform and reentry initiatives. Under his leadership, the organization continues to expand its initiatives, including the Fortune Academy, which hosts gatherings at “the castle” every Thursday night. Rothenberg poignantly discussed the challenges faced by those who feel bored and useless while incarcerated, highlighting the critical need for meaningful engagement and support.
Reflecting on his theatrical roots, Rothenberg shared that he started The Fortune Society after directing a play called “The Castle,” which remains a beloved production. He recalled his early career highlights, including working with Alex Cohen on “Hamlet” alongside Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and capturing the essence of the 1960s Hollywood scene in his play “Name Droppers,” where he reminisced about lunches with starlets like Liz Taylor and Sir John Gielgud.
The Fortune Society and Rothenberg’s continued involvement as a volunteer have made him the lifeblood of the organization since its founding in 1967. He has touched the lives of participants, staff, and community members alike. David’s passion and vision laid the foundation for The Fortune Society, now a leading reentry nonprofit serving over ten thousand participants each year. It is David’s devotion to building people, not prisons, that allows Fortune to continue growing as it has.
David Rothenberg’s journey is a testament to the power of art and activism, as he continues to champion the causes close to his heart while sharing his unique experiences through his upcoming book. His energetic spirit and unwavering commitment to social change left a profound impact on our team, and we look forward to seeing how “Manhattan Mayhem” resonates with readers when it is released.
“Manhattan Meyhem” is a memoir and collection of 18 short stories, inspired by his life in Manhattan. The stories are real, but the names have been changed. You would probably recognize the names of people in the stories. People like Elizabeth Taylor, Betty Davis and Sir Richard Burton. And all sorts of New York characters. His Mother, his aunts, uncles and anyone he ran into as a child is mentioned in his new book.
For anyone interested in stories about New York City, Mr. Rothenberg’s new book is essential. He captures the city’s heartbeat with humor, heartbreak, and hope, exploring themes of friendship, faith, family, and fortune. Mr Rothenberg writes in the style of Joe Gould or Studs Terkel. His memoir is a history of New York City and in a way, the history of all of us who are fans of New York City.
David has worked on a remarkable roster of acclaimed and commercially successful productions, encompassing iconic works such as Richard Burton’s Hamlet, the groundbreaking Hair, the satirical Beyond The Fringe, Sir John Gielgud’s The School for Scandal, Tennessee Williams’ Night Of The Iguana, Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party, and a substantial collection of Edward Albee’s plays, including Everything In The Garden, Box Mao Box, Sandbox, The Death of Bessie Smith, and The American Dream. Their portfolio also featured the innovative Blue Man Group, the interactive Tony and Tina’s Wedding, An Evening with Maurice Chevalier, and nearly 200 other diverse productions.
Witnessing the Attica Prison riot as a civilian observer had a profound effect on him. It sparked a lifelong commitment to prisoner’s rights that culminated in the 1967 founding of the Fortune Society, a leading national organization in criminal justice advocacy and service. Today, The Fortune Society has a staff of 600 people and six residences for formerly incarcerated men and women.
In addition, featuring a distinctive cast of formerly incarcerated men and women, The Castle, conceived and directed by Mr. Rothenberg, enjoyed an off-Broadway run exceeding a year and remains a fixture in college and church productions.
For more than 50 years, David Rothenberg has anchored a weekly radio program on WBAI in New York, alongside his work as a guest columnist for various newspapers.
On March 30 at 3PM, Mr. Rothenberg will launch Manhattan Mayhem with at The Castle, 625 West 140th Street New York, NY 10031 (between Broadway & Riverside Dr.).
The program will consist of an author reading, panel discussions with Mr. Rothenberg and esteemed guests, including two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole, former New Jersey Governor James McGreevey, and representatives of the Fortune Society, JoAnne Page and Stanley Richards. Additionally, Casimiro Torres of “The Castle” will provide commentary, and a performance by actor Richard Hoehler and The Fortune Society Choir is scheduled.
On April 14th at 7 PM, Rothenberg will host a reading from Manhattan Mayhem and discuss his career at Ernie O’Malley’s: 140 E 27th Street New York, NY 10001 (between 3rd and Lexington Aves).
