and produce the musical that is directed and choreographed by Tony winner . The production is scheduled to open Dec. 28 and will continue through Jan. 10, 2016, before heading to Broadway in spring 2016.
New York dates and a theatre have not been announced.
Gotta Dance features a book by Tony Award nominee () and Tony Award winner (), original music by Tony Award nominee (), lyrics by Tony Award nominee () and additional music by late Tony and Oscar winner (). Composer Sklar completed the score after Mr. Hamlisch died in 2012.
The cast features Tony Award winner , Tony Award nominee Andr茅 De Shields, five-time Emmy Award nominee , , Lori Tan Chinn and stage and screen star are Joanna Jones (NBC鈥檚 鈥淪ing Off鈥�), (), , (), (Legally Blonde), Diane Findlay (), (Gypsy), Kay Walbye (), along with , , Sydni Beaudoin, , Paula Caselton, , Colby Lewis, , , Austin Scott III and . Gotta Dance features a book by Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (Aladdin) and Tony Award winner Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), original music by Tony Award nominee Matthew Sklar (Elf), lyrics by Tony Award nominee Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and additional music by late Tony and Oscar winner Marvin Hamlisch (A Chorus Line).
According to press notes, "From the director/choreographer of comes the incredible true story of ten determined dreamers who audition to dance at half time for a major NBA team. They have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove, and they are all over 60. It isn鈥檛 until they make the cut that they find out they won鈥檛 be dancing tap, salsa or swing 鈥� they are going to bring down the house with a style that鈥檚 entirely new to them: hip hop. Don鈥檛 miss this original Broadway-bound musical about a group of ordinary seniors with extraordinary dreams as they battle pain, prejudice, self-doubt and each other for a chance to bust a move at center court in front of 20 thousand screaming fans."
The creative team reunites Mitchell with his Kinky Boots collaborators, including five-time Tony Award nominee (scenic design), Tony Award winner (costume design) and Tony Award winner (lighting design), along with (co-choreography), four-time Tony Award nominee (sound design), Tony Award winner (orchestrations), (musical director) and Telsey + Company (casting).
"The real-life senior dancers at the core of Gotta Dance simply blew me away," said producer Berinstein, who also produced and directed the 2008 documentary, in an earlier statement. "With heart, soul, gusto, guts and some hot dance moves鈥hey refused to accept 鈥榥o鈥� for an answer and, instead, overcame endless obstacles and misperceptions to realize their dreams. Aside from being so very cool...they are endlessly inspiring."
"Gotta Dance celebrates the singular power of music and dance to unleash big emotions and bring people together,鈥� added producer Bill Damaschke. "It gives me so much joy that the dream team of creative minds behind this musical adaptation crosses generations, mirroring the spirit and soul of the characters of the show. We are particularly excited to bring the show to Chicago 鈥� not only one of the nation鈥檚 preeminent breeding grounds for new theater works, but also home to some of the world鈥檚 most fervent basketball fans. Go Bulls!"
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