About
About Me
TOMMY RANIERI (he/him) is a New York–based director, producer, writer, and educator specializing in new work development and the re-examination of canonical musical theatre. He is also an accredited experiential creator with a wide background in branded entertainment, theme parks, cruise ships, and other immersive attractions.
At his core, Tommy thrives on collaboration. He is driven by a constant pursuit of exploring the uncomfortable, the playful, and the deeply passionate emotions that theatre can uncover. His process is rooted in clear, kind communication, ensuring that every project is built with curiosity, respect, and artistry at the center.
Tommy Ranieri, the youngest Artistic Director of a regional Actor’s Equity Association theatre in the country, has led Timber Lake Playhouse since January 2024. Under his leadership, TLP persues redefining summer theatre for the next generation world. He introduced the Andy Bro New Works Commission, which offers early to mid-career playwrights the opportunity for a full-scale production in the summer season, honoring the theatre’s founder. Additionally, TLP’s Resident Company initiative, one of the most competitive in the industry, offers invaluable experience to emerging actors and production professionals through a diverse range of summer productions.
Recent Credits that best represent his evolving body of work include Footloose (The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport), Disney’s Newsies (The Argyle Theatre), Jekyll & Hyde (BroadwayWorld Chicago Winner 2024: Best Direction of a Musical, Best Musical), Le Cabaret Rouge (MSC Cruises). Tommy’s NYC based New Works Series "Give Me The Option" has commissioned over twenty-five different musical theatre writers to write songs for movie musicals that don’t exist… yet.
Tommy spent many years as the Manager of Theatrical Creative Development and as a Creative Lead for RWS Global, the largest leisure entertainment group in the world. With RWS, Tommy has developed creative for dozens of projects as a director, writer, and producer. Some recognizable collaborations with clients include Warner Bros. Discovery (Looney Tunes & DC Comics), MSC Cruises, Azamara Cruises, Holland America Line, The Hershey Company, Hersheypark, Six Flags, Dollywood, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Thomas & Friends, Morey’s Piers, Turner Classic Movies, Gaylord National Resort, Give Kids The World, IAAPA, TEA’s The THEA Awards, Palace Entertainment (Story Land, Idlewild & Soakzone, Kennywood, Dutch Wonderland, Lake Compounce), Jurassic Fight Night, and Iberostar Resorts.
Tommy then worked on the historic reopening of Broadway and served as the COVID Safety Manager for Tina - The Tina Turner Musical on Broadway for The Nederlander Organization at The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
Tommy’s deepest passion lies in building theatre that is alive, youthful, and unafraid to take risks. He is drawn to stories of outsiders and misfits, and he approaches both new work and reimagined classics with curiosity, rigor, and play. His productions embrace humor and strangeness alongside sincerity and heart, seeking moments of joy and transformation that linger long after the curtain falls.
Tommy takes immense pride in being able to cook a steak better than your dad can. He will not tell you his dry rub recipe.
Tommy holds a BFA in Drama Directing from New York University through Playwrights Horizons and grew up on Long Island, NY.
If Tommy could Create ten different productions before the end of his career they would be…
A life-sized Mario Party: an interactive board game experience that drops audiences inside the Mushroom Kingdom’s highest-stakes competition.
A larger-than-life reimagining of Russell & Krieger’s Side Show, shaped by his experience in themed entertainment.
A stage adaptation of Pink Floyd’s The Wall, heavily inspired by Gerald Scarfe’s sinister and whimsical animation style.
A new solo musical about Big Bird and his eerie proximity to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
Jonathan Larson’s RENT, reframed through heavy video design and the lens of Mark’s filmmaking.
The Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest as a multi-sensory extravaganza with culinary stunts, a glizzy parade, and a mustard belt drone show.
Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party in a true speakeasy setting. The only WP I want is WP in a secret bar.
A messy, nostalgic, colloquial adaptation of a Chekhov play in collaboration with an emerging playwright.
A clean, unapologetically Long Island revival of Billy Joel’s Movin’ Out. (Seriously, what ever happened to that show?)
Lastly, Tommy dreams to direct the entire catalogue of his favorite composer, Stephen Schwartz, especially his number one guilty pleasure, Wicked. (Click this link to email Tommy an offer letter to be the next Resident Director at The Gershwin)
New Work Submissions
I currently have an open submissions policy for all non-produced plays and musicals. Learn more HERE.