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Starlight Names Rich Baker As New President And CEO

After nearly 30 years with Fox Associates, in St. Louis, Mo., Richard (Rich) Baker will take on a new role as president and CEO of Starlight Theatre in Kansas City, Mo. in March.

Fox Associates owns and operates the 4,500-seat Fox Theatre, as well as MetroTix, an online ticket broker, and Fox Theatricals, which runs Briar Street Theatre in Chicago, Ill.

During Baker's 13 years as president, he led renovation and expansion efforts for the historic Fox Theatre. He also presented Broadway tours and produced more than 15 shows on Broadway, such as Thoroughly Modern Millie and Death of a Salesman, and West End and national tours.

At Starlight Theatre, Baker will operate and program the Broadway and concert series, and oversee the education programs and development efforts.

"His experience in the performing arts industry combined with his business background makes him the perfect leader for Starlight as it looks to celebrate its 65th season next year,"said Russ Welsh, chairman of the board of Starlight Theatre, in a release. "His energy and enthusiasm are already proving to be contagious."

Baker, a native of St. Louis, Mo. will move to Kansas City with his wife, Peggy. They have two sons and five grandchildren.

Laura Spencer is staff writer/editor at the Kansas City Public Library and a former arts reporter at KCUR.
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