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.
FUNNY GIRL, MYSTIC PIZZA & More Set For Kravis 2024/2025 Season
by Joshua Wright
- May 7, 2024
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts announced its 16th season of Kravis On Broadway brimming with Tony Award®-winning hits. The 2024 – 2025 Kravis On Broadway season showcases Broadway’s finest with a subscription package power-packed with 32 Tony Awards® among them.
FUNNY GIRL Comes to Dallas This Summer
by Stephi Wild
- Apr 18, 2024
Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America (BAA) have announced that FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to Dallas’ Music Hall at Fair Park for a limited two-week engagement from August 6 to August 18.
Review: FUNNY GIRL at Ahmanson Theatre
by Harker Jones
- Apr 8, 2024
FUNNY GIRL is a gold standard that has endured through the ages and the production that just hit downtown Los Angeles is a rollicking and heartfelt success.
FUNNY GIRL Comes to the Ahmanson Next Month
by Stephi Wild
- Mar 22, 2024
FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles for a limited four-week engagement from Tuesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 28, 2024. The press opening is Wednesday, April 3.
FUNNY GIRL is Coming to The Hobby Center in August
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- Mar 19, 2024
FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to Houston's Hobby Center for the Performing Arts for a limited one-week engagement. Learn how to purchase tickets.
FUNNY GIRL is Coming to the Orpheum Theatre in April
by Chloe Rabinowitz
- Mar 14, 2024
The North American Tour of FUNNY GIRL is coming to BroadwaySF’s Orpheum Theatre for a limited four-week engagement this spring. See who is starring in the tour and learn how to purchase tickets.
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