Theatrical Publicist Leslie Baden Papa to Launch Rock-in’ New PR Firm Vivacity Media Group

Here’s to the ladies who launch! Veteran Broadway press agent Leslie Baden Papa, formerly of the shuttered publicity firm The Hartman Group, will open her own agency, Vivacity Media Group, on January 6. She will be joined by former Hartman Group executive Whitney Holden Gore, who will serve as Vice President of the new firm.

While serving as an executive at the Hartman Group, Papa has represented the Broadway musical Rock of Ages since 2009—the ‘80s rock extravaganza will now be repped by Vivacity. The forthcoming Heathers: The Musical will also be represented by the new PR firm. Additional projects will be announced shortly.

“Working as a press agent for over a decade and having learned from an incredible group of publicists, producers and industry colleagues, it is a thrilling next step for me to open Vivacity Media Group,” Papa said in a statement. “Vivacity embodies the drive, passion, innovation and enthusiasm that our team has always brought and will continue to bring to the work we do. I love theater and this industry and look forward to years of singing (and, when necessary, speaking) its praises.”

Another Hartman Group exec, Matt Ross, will also launch his own office on January 6. Matt Ross Public Relations will represent the off-Broadway musicals Murder For Two and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.