In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the dance film Center Stage, the movie's choreographer, Susan Stroman, has joined forces with Open Jar Studios to create a 25th Anniversary Celebration of Center Stage June 5 in Manhattan.
The multi-part celebration will begin at Open Jar Studios at 5:30 PM with a master class taught by Tony winner Stroman and her associate James Gray. The class will teach the "Jazz Class" warm-up routine featured in the film.
At 7:30 PM an interactive 鈥淒ance-A-Long鈥� screening of Center Stage will be presented with attendees invited to perform the 鈥淛azz Class" warm-up along with the actors in the film. The interactive screening experience, created and led by Leah Hofmann, will also include a Center Stage Costume Contest, where attendees can dress as a character in their favorite moment of the film.
鈥淵ou鈥檝e heard of Sing-A-Long Sound Of Music?鈥� asks Jeff Whiting, president of Open Jar, in a statement. 鈥淭his event will be 鈥淒ance-A-Long Center Stage!鈥�
鈥淚 think Center Stage remains beloved today because it was one of the first dance movies to give an honest depiction of the life of a professional dancer in New York City,鈥� adds Stroman. 鈥淒ance is the star of the movie. Much of the choreography is shot head to toe, so the camera takes the time to honor the body of the dancer. There are quick edits for energy, but dance is not sacrificed. As for the story, the characters are very real, authentic representations who reflect the heart and soul of a dancer. And it鈥檚 a great homage to New York City, featuring plenty of quintessential city shots where, to this day, you could visit and immediately spot a dancer. For young people desperate to become dancers, this movie has it all.鈥�
Tony winner Nicholas Hytner directed Center Stage. The 2000 film, set at the American Ballet Academy in New York, was written by Carol Heikkinen and starred Amanda Schull, Ethan Stiefel, and Sasha Radetsky. Also in the cast are such Broadway favorites as Donna Murphy, Peter Gallagher, Maryann Plunkett, and more.
Five-time Tony-winning director-choreographer Susan Stroman is currently represented on Broadway by the new musical Smash. Among her numerous other Broadway credits: The Producers (winner of a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards), The Scottsboro Boys (nominated for 12 Tony Awards and the winner of the London Evening Standard Award for Best Musical), Left on Tenth; POTUS; New York, New York; Prince of Broadway; Contact; Bullets Over Broadway; Big Fish; Crazy for You; Show Boat; Oklahoma!; The Frogs; The Music Man; Thou Shalt Not; Steel Pier; Big; and Picnic.
The Center Stage 25th Anniversary Celebration can be attended in person or virtually.
Proceeds benefit the Stage Door Foundation, a not-for-profit organization providing support to artists as they develop theatrical projects, allowing individuals to focus on the creative process.
Tickets are available .
