From LaSalle to Broadway

Paul was asking himself the question that every 17 year old is bombarded with during their teenage years: “What’s next?” He wasn’t sure if continuing on to college right away was the best option. The United States was experiencing much unrest; protests were held at college campuses all throughout the nation regarding important topics such as race, gender equality, the environment, and the Vietnam War. 

During this national tension, some clarity came for Paul when he attended a concert at his small Baptist church where a student choral group was set to perform: The Moody Chorale. “Instantly, I felt calm, connected, and comforted.” Paul reminisces.  “Their a capella harmonies and obvious love between each other won me over. I knew instantly, this would be a safe place to go.”

Paul enrolled at Moody the next year to study Bible and Theology, planning just to stay one year so he could adjust to living on his own in a safe environment.  However, Paul was so happy at Moody that he stayed and completed his full 3 year program.

(Paul Lambert with composer legends Eddie Holland and Brian Holland, Diane Louie of American Idol and Stevie Wonder’s musical family, and Director from Australia, Simon Phillips)

After his time at Moody, Paul continued on to study in Economics at Wheaton college, but, feeling restless, he decided to move on and enter the work force. After a few years of working, he started his own promotional graphics company in the suburbs of Chicago, which eventually evolved into a boutique advertising agency that led him to New York City where he produced over 600 network and regional television commercials over the course of 20 years.  

Paul’s unexpected invitation to New York City came when one of Paul’s larger clients, Schick Razors, announced their offices were moving there, and the company offered to let Paul keep their account if he relocated. Paul made the move to the east coast where he served as the president of Lambert Dale Advertising in Manhattan.

Although Paul has not had formal artistic training, the arts have always been an important part of who he is, “I’m a theatre-Gypsy at heart.”  He grew up performing in shows and playing with music groups, and was even a member of The Moody Choral during his collegiate years. He also served as the Music Director at Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center in California during summers between school years. During his time in New York he continued to be involved with the arts as a frequent theatre spectator and donor.

Another turning point in Paul’s life occurred when he saw the hit Broadway musicals Jersey Boys and Mama Mia. Not only did he love the excellent performances and production values, he was amazed at the amount of success these productions experienced on a global scale. Paul was sold on the potential success that works of theatre could undergo, and he was forever changed from a patron to a producer. 

Paul likes to produce work that speaks to the real life experiences that people face. The current project he is working on is a musical about marital infidelity and its effect on women in particular. The show also explores themes of trust, betrayal, revenge, self-acceptance, and healing from past pain, it is slated to appear on Broadway in 2016.

(Picture of the cast in rehearsal)

Paul’s expertise in cutting-edge digital marketing coupled with his heart to help others led him and his producing partner, Jonas Neilson, to create FirstWivesWorld.org: a companion website to his current project that helps provide a community where women can get the resources they need to move past the pain that comes from divorce, infidelity, and adultery. “The arts can often bring up common experiences or pain that all people deal with, and through this web site we can funnel individuals into a safe, online community for help and support. We don’t want to just leave people where they are if we can help it.” 

In addition to his busy career, Paul engages in small groups and bible studies at his home church in northern California, participates in Tim Storey’s monthly Bible study for entertainment industry professionals called The Hollywood Bible Study in Los Angeles, and writes a weekly blog with spiritual encouragement based on what Paul is learning and experiencing personally. 

“Moody definitely gave me the foundation for everything I do today,” reflects Paul. One Moody Chorale performance forever changed Paul’s life trajectory; he has personally experienced the power that the arts have to change people and awaken their God-given passions. He desires every musical he produces to have the same deep, personal, and life-changing effect on his audiences. 

 
(Paul at a script meeting.)