Michael Detroit, a longtime actor and director in the local stage community, was named interim executive producer of Circuit Playhouse Inc. Thursday while investigators hired by the theater examine "an allegation of sexual misconduct" against Playhouse founder and executive director Jackie Nichols.
Nichols, 70, believes the investigation will exonerate him. The accusation by a stepdaughter dates back 40 years.
Nichols said the Playhouse announcement was not a preamble to a permanent leadership change.
"I am not planning on stepping down," he said. "Yes, Mike Detroit is the interim (executive producer), and I'm fine with that." Detroit was Playhouse associate producer before named to the interim position.
Nichols added that the circuit Playhouse Inc. board would be "irresponsible" if it did not investigate the sexual allegations, which surfaced on a social media post.
The news follows last week's announcement that Nichols volunteered to take "a leave of absence pending an investigation of allegations against him unrelated to the operations of Playhouse," according to a Jan. 3 announcement sent to Playhouse board members by Sue Guarino, board chair for Circuit Playhouse Inc., which includes Playhouse on the Square and Circuit Playhouse.
A press release Thursday from Playhouse reported that Jennifer S. Hagerman of the law firm Burch Porter and Johnson will serve as "lead investigator" to "look into the allegation thoroughly, and any complaints that may come forward" in relation to Nichols. In addition, labor lawyer Paul E. Prather was retained "to review the theater organization's employee policies and procedures."
"We are dedicated to a thorough investigation," Guarino said Thursday. She added that Playhouse is "an important Memphis institution, and it is our mission to keep our facilities a safe, welcoming environment for staff members and audiences."
The controversy comes two years shy of the 50th anniversary of Playhouse's official 1969 incorporation. During that time, Nichols, Playhouse co-founder and longtime executive producer, has been arguably the most important figure in Memphis theater, overseeing countless productions and projects, including the construction and 2010 opening of the $15 million Playhouse on the Square facility at the corner of Union and Cooper, across the street from its sister facility, the Circuit Playhouse.