Tony winner Wayne Cilento directs the seldom-produced work; the production re-creates Fosse’s original, 1978 Tony-winning choreography.
A new production of Bob Fosse’s 1978 dance work Dancin’ begins its run at San Diego’s Old Globe April 19, with opening night set for April 28. The production will continue through May 29, with Broadway reportedly in its sights.
Produced in cooperation with Nicole Fosse and by special arrangement with Joey Parnes, the production re-creates Fosse’s original Tony-winning choreography from the 1978 Broadway musical and features direction and musical staging by Wayne Cilento, who received a Tony nomination for his performance in the original Broadway company. The new production of the dance musical, which features an eclectic songlist from Neil Diamond to George M. Cohan, sees Cilento reimagining Fosse’s original production, bringing its vision into the 21st century. Playwright and fellow Dancin’ cast alum Kirsten Childs is billed as the production’s text consultant and is providing additional material.
The ensemble cast includes Ioana Alfonso (Wicked), Yeman Brown (Jagged Little Pill), Peter John Chursin (Wicked), Dylis Croman (Chicago), Tony d’Alelio (This Ain’t No Disco), Jōvan Dansberry (King Kong), Karli Dinardo (Moulin Rouge!), Jacob Guzman (West Side Story), Manuel Herrera (Wicked), Kolton Krouse (Cats), Mattie Love (Wicked), Yani Marin (Wicked), Nando Morland (West Side Story), Khori Michelle Petinaud (Aladdin), Ida Saki (In the Heights), and Ron Todorowski (Finding Neverland). Rounding out the company as understudies are Ashley Blair Fitzgerald (The Cher Show), Gabriel Hyman (King Kong), Krystal Mackie (Hamilton), and Michaeljon Slinger (Hello, Dolly!).
Cilento leads a creative team that includes scenic designer Robert Brill, costume designers Harriet Jung and Reid Bartelme, lighting designer David Grill, sound designer Peter Hylenski, projection designer Finn Ross, and production stage manager Beverly Jenkins. Music supervision, orchestrations, incidental music, and vocal arrangements are provided by Jim Abbott, with music direction by Darryl Archibald and dance arrangements and additional music by David Dabbon. The production has been cast by Tara Rubin Casting.
Christine Colby Jacques handles reproducing Fosse’s choreography with additional choreographic reconstruction by Corinne McFadden Herrera.
Cilento’s revival follows plans for a Graciela Daniele-helmed Broadway revival in 2009 via Roundabout Theatre Company that failed to materialize.
Fosse’s original production opened at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre in 1978, transferring to the Ambassador Theatre before closing 1,774 performances later. The cast included such Fosse favorites as Ann Reinking, Robert La Fosse, Dana Moore, Bebe Neuwirth, and Cynthia Onrubia.
