Off-Broadway's York Theatre Company announced October 11 the abrupt and immediate resignation of longtime Producing Artistic Director James Morgan, who has served in the position since 1997.

The news followed a Facebook post from Associate Artistic Director Gerry McIntyre, published before Morgan's resignation went out to the press. McIntyre's post announced his own resignation after raising concerns about a lack of performers of color in recent York programming, including the productions of Christine Lavin and Alice Scovell's musical InunDATEd and the one-night-only Noël Coward concert celebration I Like America. In the post, McIntyre said his concerns were met with anger and yelling from Morgan.

Morgan, who suffered a stroke in 2022, replied to the allegations in a letter obtained by Playbill. In it, Morgan states, "During a recent staff meeting, I responded to a colleague’s concerns about the diversity of our audiences in a way that was inappropriate and hurtful. The words came out—at a raised volume that has been one of the side effects of the stroke—differently than I intended them.

"There’s no question I was being defensive. I’ve tried to make diversity a consideration in everything we do—our programming, our outreach, our hiring, our everything. Were we late coming to the table? Yes. Could we—should we—have been doing more? Always.

"So, I am heartsick that the words that came out of my mouth reflected the exact opposite of how I feel, not only about diversity but also about my friend of more than three decades, Gerry McIntyre. He has been an important part of the York, as an actor, a choreographer and director, and in recent years as Associate Artistic Director."

Morgan also said prior to the incident in question, he had been planning to retire from the company.

York Board President Jim Kierstead said in a statement October 11. “On behalf of the board of directors of the York Theatre company, we wish James Morgan well in his future endeavors. We will soon be announcing plans for a future filled with diversity, talent, and musical theatre in order to continue our long legacy of supporting artists of all backgrounds.”

Morgan's complete letter can be viewed below:

Dear All,

At this point, it’s not news to any of you that I’ve retired as Producing Artistic Director of The York Theatre Company.

But please allow me to add some context to the news release that went out Friday night. This month marks my 50th anniversary with The York, and I have long thought that reaching this milestone would be an excellent time to retire from this remarkable theater company. The privilege of serving the York has given me opportunities, experiences and friendships beyond my wildest dreams.

After my stroke in 2022, I considered that perhaps I should move up the timetable, recognizing that it would be very difficult to give The York my “all.” Out of a sense of commitment to the institution, but also, frankly, wanting to prove something to myself, I decided to soldier on.

During a recent staff meeting, I responded to a colleague’s concerns about the diversity of our audiences in a way that was inappropriate and hurtful. The words came out—at a raised volume that has been one of the side effects of the stroke—differently than I intended them.

There’s no question I was being defensive. I’ve tried to make diversity a consideration in everything we do—our programming, our outreach, our hiring, our everything. Were we late coming to the table? Yes. Could we—should we—have been doing more? Always.

So, I am heartsick that the words that came out of my mouth reflected the exact opposite of how I feel, not only about diversity but also about my friend of more than three decades, Gerry McIntyre. He has been an important part of the York, as an actor, a choreographer and director, and in recent years as Associate Artistic Director.

I think the world of Gerry and I’m committed to finding a way to repair our friendship. I’ve also learned that my aphasia, an after-effect of the stroke, has caused hurt and misunderstandings among the staff. I should have realized that sooner. Whether because of ego or stubbornness—or maybe just cluelessness—I didn’t. And I apologize.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as The York’s Producing Artistic Director.

With deep admiration and appreciation,

Jim Morgan