Steve Peters Earns 2025 Drama League Nomination for Broadway Revival

VenuWorks proudly announces that its Founder and CEO, Steve Peters, has been honored with a nomination for the 2025 Drama League Award for Best Revival of a Musical. Peters co-produced the acclaimed Broadway revival of Once Upon A Mattress, which has garnered widespread praise for its vibrant reimagining of a treasured classic. The award winners will be announced at the Drama League Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.

With a five-decade career dedicated to live entertainment, Steve Peters is no stranger to the spotlight. His innovative approach to venue management and deep-rooted passion for the arts have made a lasting impact on communities nationwide. Through his leadership, VenuWorks has become the country’s only employee-owned venue management company, overseeing more than 50 venues across 24 cities in 18 states. Its booking division, VenuWorks Presents, organizes over 500 events annually, including Broadway productions tailored for smaller markets, expanding access to world-class performing arts.

Reflecting on the recognition, Peters emphasized the power of live performance in bringing people together. “The strength in our communities lies in the gathering spaces where stories come to life and memories are created,” he said. “To be acknowledged by the Drama League for Once Upon A Mattress reinforces the transformative power of theater to inspire and unite. I’m deeply honored to bring this recognition home to Iowa, a place that has been instrumental in my life and career.”

A Legacy in Arts and Culture

Steve Peters’ contributions to Broadway extend beyond Once Upon A Mattress. His impressive portfolio includes a Drama League Award in 2015 for co-producing the Broadway revival of You Can’t Take It With You starring James Earl Jones. That production also earned him a Tony nomination. Presently, Peters is working with VenuWorks Theatricals partner Michael Londra as a lead producer on Get Happy, a new musical slated for a potential Broadway debut in 2026.

While his work on Broadway continues to flourish, Peters remains steadfast in supporting local arts initiatives in his home state of Iowa. He is currently leading a restoration project for the historic Ingersoll Theater in Des Moines. Scheduled to reopen by Thanksgiving 2025, this project is a shining example of how Peters blends preservation, economic growth, and creativity to revitalize cultural landmarks.

About Steve Peters

A native of Iowa and a graduate of the University of Iowa, Steve Peters built his career on fostering connections through live entertainment. His leadership and dedication to enriching communities have earned him prestigious accolades, including the IAVM Foundation Legacy Award and the Charles McElravy Lifetime Achievement Award. His ongoing efforts to extend access to cultural experiences have solidified his reputation as a visionary in the arts world.

Steve Peters’ Drama League nomination is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the arts, both on the national stage and in local communities. Please join us in celebrating this incredible achievement and stay tuned as we await the Drama League Awards on May 16!