Carmen Pavlovic and Global Creatures: A Breakthrough in Broadway

Carmen Pavlovic discusses the remarkable journey of how Global Creatures became the first Australian theatre company to create a production on Broadway.

Have you ever considered the effort that goes into crafting a Broadway show? It can cost over $20 million to produce, encompassing expenses like sets, costumes, lighting, and rehearsals. Plus, the timeline is extensive; developing a musical can span several years, from initial concept to a polished performance.

Pavlovic, co-founder and CEO of Global Creatures, has successfully navigated this landscape multiple times globally. Yet, she admits feeling out of place in the theatre industry for years. “I often felt like an imposter,” she shares. “At gatherings, everyone would recount the musical that inspired them to join the field, but I didn’t have that moment. I realized I was drawn to storytelling.”

After earning her MBA, she secured a position with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s company in Australia. Her determination led her to establish Global Creatures alongside business partner Gerry Ryan. “Gerry believed in the long game,” Pavlovic recalls. “He said, ‘I invest in people, and I’m backing Carmen.’ Looking back, that support was invaluable. The journey to Moulin Rouge! The Musical was filled with ups and downs over ten years, but the success we achieved is undeniable.”

Global Creatures launched Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway in June 2019, only to face the painful decision to halt production nine months later due to the pandemic. However, the team persevered and reopened in September 2021. They proudly became the first Australian theatre company to originate a Broadway show, earning 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Tune into the How She Does It podcast to learn about the extensive work behind the show, from collaborating with 160 composers across 30 publishers for music licensing to Pavlovic’s habit of reading all reviews, both positive and critical.