Interview: CHOREOGRAPHERS ELLENORE SCOTT & AYODELE CASEL GIVE FUNNY GIRL'S SAGA FLAIR, FUN & FINESSE
by Valerie-Jean Miller
- May 28, 2024
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.
Video: First Look at GALILEE, 34 by Eleanor Burgess at South Coast Rep
by Joshua Wright
- May 3, 2024
Get a first look at South Coast Repertory's world premiere of Galilee, 34 by Eleanor Burgess. Directed by Davis McCallum, the story exploring the disciples in the aftermath of the Crucifixion, runs through May 12, 2024 on the Julianne Argyros Stage.
City Theatre Announces THE REAL JAMES BOND...WAS DOMINICAN For 2024/2025 Season
by A.A. Cristi
- May 1, 2024
City Theatre Company has announced the complete lineup for their 50th Anniversary. DNAWORKS' production of The Real James Bond...was Dominican joins the previously announced shows to round out the five show subscription series and will be performed in the Lillie Theatre in January and February 2025.
McCarter Announces 2024-2025 Dance Series, Returning This September
by A.A. Cristi
- Apr 30, 2024
McCarter Theatre Center has announced its 2024-2025 Dance Series – featuring Ballet Hispánico, SW!NG OUT from superstar choreographer Caleb Teicher, Noli Timere – a new collaboration between Director/Choreographer/Princeton University Professor Rebecca Lazier and sculptor Janet Echelman, Seoul-based Bereishit Dance Company, and Twyla Tharp Dance. Also included as an optional season encore is the highly anticipated return of Pilobolus.
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