Jeff Oppenheim is a remarkably accomplished and extensively experienced professional, boasting a vast and impressive array of credits that span a broad and diverse range of esteemed institutions and organizations within the multifaceted and dynamic world of theater and film production.
With a rich and diverse history in live-theater production, he has had the privilege of conceiving and bringing to life an impressive array of productions for some of the most revered and esteemed organizations in the industry, including the esteemed Lincoln Center, the prestigious Film Society, and the renowned Tribeca Performing Arts Center, where he has had the opportunity to showcase his creative vision and expertise to audiences and peers alike.
Beyond his impressive affiliations with esteemed institutions, Oppenheim has also forged meaningful partnerships with a diverse array of prominent organizations, including The Acting Company, renowned for its innovative productions and commitment to nurturing emerging talent, as well as Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theater, a pioneering force in promoting diverse voices and perspectives on the American stage, Bay Street Theater, a respected hub for new works and experimental storytelling, and numerous other esteemed entities, thereby cementing his reputation as a multifaceted and accomplished production professional.
Throughout his illustrious and multifaceted career, Oppenheim has consistently showcased a remarkable capacity to effortlessly adapt to an astonishingly diverse array of production styles and formats, seamlessly transitioning from the traditional realm of live theater to the ever-evolving world of film and other cutting-edge multimedia platforms, thereby solidifying his status as an indispensable and invaluable asset to any production team.
Jeff, the visionary founder and artistic director of the esteemed non-profit literary organization, Other Voices, has left an indelible mark on the vibrant arts scene in New York City, having masterminded and successfully implemented an astonishing array of over 100 events, readings, and performances throughout the city.
The esteemed individual's extensive portfolio of production credits stands as a shining exemplar of his unwavering commitment to the artistic realm, with a particularly notable highlight being his involvement in the inaugural celebration held in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., to commemorate the momentous occasion of President Obama's first-term inauguration, a testament to his remarkable versatility and expertise in his craft.
Jeff has not only been actively involved in his work in Washington, D.C., but has also ventured beyond the nation's capital to undertake a remarkable endeavor.
He has produced a comprehensive, seven-day musical extravaganza, spanning across five distinct boroughs of New York City, aptly titled "STAT! For New York City's Public Hospitals!".
The primary objective of this ambitious project was to increase public awareness and garner vital funds for the city's public hospitals, which provide essential medical care to countless individuals in need.
This remarkable series of performances at the Apollo Theater paid a most extraordinary tribute to the one and only George Clinton, an iconic figure in the world of music, as a multitude of talented artists came together to pay homage to his immense contributions to the genre.
The evening was marked by a night of soul-stirring Gospel and R&B, as the legendary Temptations took to the stage, their harmonious voices blending together in perfect harmony, transporting the audience back to a bygone era of musical greatness.
Later in the evening, the spotlight shifted to a celebration of Old School Hip Hop, as a veritable who's who of pioneers in the genre gathered to pay tribute to the roots of this beloved art form. Marley Marl, the mastermind behind some of the most iconic beats in hip hop history, took the stage, followed by the inimitable DJ Kool Herc, who brought the crowd to their feet with his signature turntable wizardry.
The celebration continued with the incomparable Doug E. Fresh, whose smooth flow and infectious energy had the audience grooving to the rhythm. Roxanne Shante, the Queen of Queens, brought her unique brand of lyrical dexterity to the stage, leaving the crowd in awe of her remarkable skills.
Kangol Kid, the legendary MC and founding member of the Juice Crew, also took the stage, his charismatic stage presence and razor-sharp rhymes leaving the audience in stitches. With each and every performance, the energy in the room grew, the crowd's enthusiasm and excitement building to a fever pitch as the night wore on.
Jeff's relentless endeavors have exemplified his unshakeable dedication to the artistic realm, showcasing his remarkable aptitude to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose among individuals from diverse backgrounds, thereby leaving an indelible mark on the urban fabric and the cultural topography of the city.
Jeff's artistic pursuits in the year 2012 reached a remarkable crescendo with the conception and execution of OsKuduristas.com, a trailblazing international tour that boldly introduced the mesmerizing African music and dance phenomenon of "Kuduro" to a broad spectrum of spectators in Stockholm, Amsterdam, Paris, New York, and Washington D.C., thereby bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this vibrant and dynamic art form.
This remarkable expedition not only exemplified the captivating vitality of Kuduro, a genre that has been gaining widespread recognition globally, but also served as a launching pad for a groundbreaking endeavor - a pilot project carefully crafted to foster a music-centered cultural exchange between a public high school in Angola, a country rich in cultural heritage and located in the heart of Africa, and a pair of public high schools in Brooklyn and Queens, two vibrant boroughs in New York City, renowned for their diversity and eclectic cultural landscape.
Jeff, a skilled and accomplished filmmaker, has built an impressive and varied body of work within the film industry, showcasing his exceptional talent and expertise. One of his most notable achievements is the feature film "Funny Valentine", a highly acclaimed production that boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring prominent actors such as Anthony Michael Hall, Marlo Marron, and Lord Jamar. This outstanding film was successfully distributed by the esteemed and well-respected Universal Pictures, a testament to Jeff's ability to produce high-quality content that resonates with audiences and critics alike.
Jeff's impressive range as a producer was showcased in the documentary film "A Passion For Giving", which garnered significant attention from a broad audience and was nationally broadcast on the prestigious Public Broadcasting Service (PBS),a testament to his multifaceted skills and adaptability.
Noteworthy alongside his illustrious film endeavors, Jeff has had the privilege of partnering with the esteemed Lincoln Center, assuming the role of producer for the live broadcast of their renowned Out of Door Festival. His exceptional skills were also tapped for the creation of the Mostly Mozart: A Little Night Music Series, a striking demonstration of his capacity to seamlessly transition between diverse projects and artistic genres.
Jeff has recently seized the chance to showcase his extraordinary talent for storytelling by finishing a feature-length documentary, a cinematic masterpiece titled "Real Fake--The Life, Art & Crimes of Elmyr de Hory", which serves as a powerful testament to his unshakeable dedication to crafting captivating narratives and his remarkable ability to imbue intricate and complex subjects with life, ultimately bringing them to the big screen in a way that holds audiences spellbound and engaged.
