Gregory Hines

Interview: CHOREOGRAPHERS ELLENORE SCOTT & AYODELE CASEL GIVE FUNNY GIRL'S SAGA FLAIR, FUN & FINESSE

VJM: Thank you both for giving of your time to answer my questions.  I don’t think I’ve ever heard of two Choreographers being hired for the same Broadway show, not even a revival, that I can think of.  How did that come about for both of you? Ellenore Scott:  Funny Girl was my Broadway debut as a choreographer. I was so happy when I got a call from Michael Mayer (the director) asking me to work on this revival with him. He knew I was NOT a tap dancer and was aware of the multiple tap routines in the show and asked if I would be down to share the billing with Ayodele Casel. Ayo is an extraordinary artist so I was thrilled to be by her side as she made her Broadway debut as well. Michael first met me initially at Head Over Heels on Broadway where I was an associate choreographer to Spencer Liff. In 2019, he asked if I would choreograph the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors and we opened the show October 17th, 2019. I have loved working with Michael and feel as though he keeps his people close and I’m grateful he thought of me for this historic revival. Ayodele Casel:  I met Michael Mayer in 2016 when he directed a New York City Center Encores! show I performed in.  Later that fall he invited me to perform that piece in a Broadway for Hillary fundraiser he was also directing. We'd kept in touch over the years and in 2019, after seeing a show I’d premiered at The Joyce Theater, he asked if I would be interested in providing the Tap choreography for a revival he was working on. Like Ellenore shared, Michael wanted to work with us both to deliver the full choreographic vision of the show. I believe it was a very progressive vision on his part and I’m really thankful that I was able to make my Broadway debut with this team.

The DOWNTOWN URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL Announces 22nd Season Lineup

The Downtown Urban Arts Festival returns for its 22nd season from June 12-29 at Theatre Row.

Dance Parade Presents DANCE FREE NYC 18th Annual Parade And Festival

Join the 18th annual DANCE PARADE, DANCE FREE NYC, on May 18, featuring 10,000 dancers, legendary grand marshals, live bands, and DJs. Support the City of Yes's proposal to modernize outdated zoning laws and legalize dance in NYC.

 ALICE, FORMERLY OF WONDERLAND Comes to Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara

Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara has announced the capstone production of its 45th season, the world premiere musical, ALICE, FORMERLY OF WONDERLAND.

Previews: BEING RICHARD GREENE at The Revolution Stage Company

It’s a boy! It’s a girl! No, it’s BEING RICHARD GREENE, a laugh-‘til-you cry intimate exploration of one “person’s” intimate journey of gender identity.

Larry Marshall to Direct Sundog Theatre's SCENES FROM THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY

Broadway star Larry Marshall will direct Sundog Theatre's annual presentation, Scenes from the Staten Island Ferry 2024. Learn more!

The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble Prepares For Spring Concert Series

The Lady Hoofers Tap Ensemble, a Philadelphia-based ensemble that centers the work of women in tap through performance, education, and community outreach, will present their Spring Concert Series at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Video: Go Inside Rehearsals for JELLY'S LAST JAM at Encores!

In this video, watch as the cast of Encores! Jelly's Last Jam meets the press and gives a special sneak peek of 'Jelly's Jam' and 'Play the Music for Me.'

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 14, 2024

Happy Valentine's Day, BroadwayWorld! It is February 14, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Nikki Crawford, Claybourne Elder & More to Star in FALLING FOR MAKE BELIEVE Developmental Readings

Amas Musical Theatre and the Amas Musical Theatre Lab, will present developmental lab readings of Falling For Make Believe: The Life and Songs of Lorenz Hart, with music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart.

Maurice Hines Has Passed Away at 80

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that tap icon Maurice Hines has passed away at 80.

The Joyce Theater Foundation to Present Eight Edition of American Dance Platform

The Joyce Theater Foundation is continuing its mission to bring the best in dance to its New York City stage in the eighth iteration of American Dance Platform.

Tapestry Dance Company to Present THE PRECIOUS PRESENT - LISTEN in Austin

Don't miss Tapestry Dance Company's performance of 'The Precious Present -- Listen' in Austin at the Austin Ventures Studio Theatre. Get ready for an unforgettable night of dance and music. Find out more details he

Cast Set for World Premiere of SUGAR HILL: THE ELLINGTON/STRAYHORN NUTCRACKER

The complete cast has been set for the world premiere of Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

Bucks County Playhouse Education Offers Education Classes for Fall 2023

Bucks County Playhouse announced the lineup of education programs being offered this fall.

�¿Chicago Human Rhythm Project Presents 33rd Annual RHYTHM WORLD

Chicago Human Rhythm Project's 33nd Annual International Festival of American Tap presents performances, education programs and CHRP's annual Gala 'Jubalee' at five venues around Chicago featuring generations of celebrated artists from around the globe directed by CHRP Artistic Director, Jumaane Taylor. Running July 14 – 23.

Amber Iman, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Annie Golden & More to be Featured in Williamstown Theatre Festival Readings

Amber Iman, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Annie Golden and more will be featured in Williamstown Theatre Festival's Fridays@3 reading series.

Jeannette Bayardelle, Phillip Attmore & More Set for LAST OF THE RED HOT MAMAS - THE SOPHIE TUCKER STORY Readings

Private readings by invitation only will be held in New York City for Last Of The Red Hot Mamas – The Sophie Tucker Story on Thursday, June 22.

TAP CITY, The New York City Tap Festival Returns July 3 To July 8

TAP CITY, THE NEW YORK CITY TAP FESTIVAL will return for its 23rd year Monday, July 3 through Saturday, July 8, with special events, local and international tap dance artists, choreographic residencies, and master classes.

New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Acquires George C. Wolfe's Archives

The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts just announced that the Billy Rose Theatre Division has acquired the archive of George C. Wolfe, the writer, director, and producer.