Performances continue through Jan. 17, 2016, in Chicago. Opening on Broadway is now scheduled for fall 2016.
The complete cast includes , Tony nominee Andr茅 De Shields, five-time Emmy nominee , Tony winner , , , Lori Tan Chinn, Joanna Jones, , , , , , Kay Walbye, , Sydni Beaudoin, , , Paula Castelon, , Colby Lewis, , , Austin Scott III and .
The production is directed and choreographed by Tony winner .
_and_Andre_DeShields_Photo_Credit_Bruce_Glikas.jpg)
__Kay_Walbye_Photo_Credit_Bruce_Glikas.jpg)
__Stefanie_Powers__Jerry_Mitchell_Photo_Credit_Bruce_Glikas_.jpg)
Gotta Dance features a book by Tony Award nominee (Aladdin) and Tony Award winner (The Drowsy Chaperone), original music by Tony Award nominee (Elf), lyrics by Tony Award nominee (Legally Blonde) and additional music by late Tony and Oscar winner .
According to press notes, "From the director/choreographer of Kinky Boots 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 20,000 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).
鈥淭he real-life senior dancers at the core of Gotta Dance simply blew me away,鈥� said producer , who also produced and directed the 2008 documentary, in an earlier statement. 鈥淲ith 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.鈥�
鈥�Gotta Dance celebrates the singular power of music and dance to unleash big emotions and bring people together,鈥� added producer Bill Damaschke. 鈥淚t 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!鈥�
Composer Sklar completed the score after Mr. Hamlisch died in 2012.
For more information, visit .
