In this episode, Lisa Mordente talks about meeting Bob Fosse as a teenager, and watching her mother, Chita Rivera, rehearse and perform in Chicago (1975). Lisa was the first baby born of a "Shark" and a "Jet"—her father, Tony Mordente played "A-Rab" in the original Broadway production of West Side Story, where he met Chita who was playing "Anita." Lisa recalls the backstage antics of the cast, and the inspiration she found in watching Gwen Verdon and her mother perform together.
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In this episode, Marsha Bagwell tells us about her time in the original cast of Chicago (1975) as the standby for Matron Mama Morton and Mary Sunshine. Marsha became Gwen Verdon's personal assistant during the production and was privy to many private conversations regarding the show. She shares unparalleled insight on Bob Fosse's process, Gwen Verdon's generosity, and the quirks and personalities of the entire cast.
In this episode, Lenora Nemetz discusses working with Bob Fosse as the standby for both Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera in Chicago (1975). She recalls going on for Gwen as "Roxie" during the out-of-town try-out without any rehearsals. Lenora also took over the role "Velma" full time after Chita left the show and Ann Reinking joined as Roxie.
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In this episode, we hear from Pamela Sousa who was an ensemble member in the original cast of Bob Fosse's 1975 musical Chicago, starring Gwen Verdon and Chita Rivera. Later, she performed in Michael Bennet's A Chorus Line as a Cassie replacement. Pamela shares her experiences working with both of these legendary choreographers.
Additional Resources:
Visit the Vault - Chicago 50th Anniversary
In the episode, Jessica Lee Goldyn discusses her early experiences learning A Chorus Line as a child, training with Baayork Lee and Donna McKechnie, and performing Cassie in the closing week of the 2006 Broadway Revival of a A Chorus Line.
In this episode Charlotte d'Amboise reminisces about her year as Cassie in the 2006 Broadway revival of a Chorus Line. She talks about being inspired by Donna McKechnie, as the struggles and joys of this difficult role.
In this episode, Robyn Hurder discusses how A Chorus Line has affected the trajectory of her career--from seeing the show as a nine-year-old, to performing in the 2006 revival tour, to ultimately portraying Cassie at New York City Center in 2018. Robyn will honor the legacy of Michael Bennett and A Chorus Line at the 50th Anniversary Celebration at the Shubert Theater this month.
In this episode Donna McKechnie speaks about her early inspirations, her personal and professional relationship with Michael Bennett, and her reflections of 50 years of A Chorus Line. She also speaks at length about the character she originated, Cassie, and what it means to her to be able to mentor other performers in that role.
In this episode Mitzi Hamilton discusses her long association with Michael Bennett's A Chorus Line which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year. Mitzi was one of the two women whose stories provided the inspiration for the character of "Val" in the show. Mitzi shares wonderful memories of her Broadway debut, working with Michael Bennett, and how much A Chorus Line means to her.
In this episode Baayork Lee discusses her early career on Broadway (starting at age 5!), her working relationship with Michael Bennett, and how she has worked to preserve his legacy as A Chorus Line celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
In this episode we hear from Debbie Allen on her relationship with Chita Rivera. Chita originated the role of 'Anita' in West Side Story on Broadway in 1957. In 1980, when West Side Story was revived, Debbie Allen was cast as 'Anita' and she was coached by Chita in the role. The two maintained a close relationship over the ensuing decades as their careers continued to evolve on Broadway, in film, and television. One thing they have in common: blazing a trail for those who come after them!
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In this bonus episode we will hear a previously unreleased 1982 interview between Alexandra Danilova, and 12-year-old School of American Ballet student, Jennifer Fuchs. Jennifer conducted this interview for a school project and has given Immortal Icons of Dance permission to publish it so that everyone can hear this rare audio of Danilova talking about her own life!
Listen to this episode on YouTube for closed captioning
In this episode, former New York City Ballet dancer, John Clifford, tells us about his friendship with the great Russian ballerina, Alexandra Danilova. Madame Danilova (known to friends as "Choura") grew up at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg Russia, became a soloist Mariinsky ballet, and toured the world as an acclaimed ballerina in many ballet companies including the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. After retiring from the stage, she settled in New York City and became a beloved teacher at the School of American Ballet for 25 years where she taught new generations of dancers how to become a ballerina in the grand sense of the word.
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In this episode, Diana White, a former NYCB dancer recalls what it was like receiving her early ballet training from Maria Tallchief in Chicago. Diana took the lessons she learned from Maria Tallchief with her when she joined NYCB and as she continues to stage Balanchine works around the world
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In this episode we speak with author and dance researcher Nancy Reynolds on her lifetime of work preserving the work of George Balanchine. Nancy attended the School of American Ballet was a member of the New York City Ballet for 4 years, after which she became an editor and author. Her first book, "Repertory in Review: 40 Years of the New York City Ballet," an invaluable resource for generations for dance researchers.
Additional Resources:
Balanchine Foundation Video Archive
In this episode, Jean-Pierre Frohlich discusses his 60+ year history with Balanchine's Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet. Jean-Pierre performed the children's role of Fritz at New York City Center, and was the first Prince when NYCB moved to Lincoln Center in 1964. He danced most of the adult roles in the ballet during his time as a company member, and since 1990 he has been a ballet master and repertory director at NYCB, coaching the subsequent generations of dancers in the Nutcracker.
In this episode we get 2 interviews! The episode focuses on the legendary Broadway and ballet photographer, Martha Swope, who helped to immortalized so many hundreds of performers and productions with her images. Delia Peters, a former NYCB dancer and close friend of Martha's, talks about their friendship. Carol Rosegg, a protege of Martha's who is now an preeminent theater photographer, talks about what she learned from Martha as a young photographer in New York.
Additional Resources:
The Nutcracker: The Story of the New York City Ballet's Production Told in Pictures
Baryshnikov on Broadway: Photographs
Mourka: The Autobiography of a Cat
In this episode, composer David K. Israel takes us inside his collaboration with the modern dance choreographer Paul Taylor. David shares stories about Paul's artistry in the studio and his quirks as a neighbor!
Additional Resources
Private Domain- Paul Taylor Autobiography
Interview with David K. Israel
Why I Make Dances - Essay by Paul Taylor
In this episode, Theara discusses her early career in the Dance Theatre of Harlem under Arthur Mitchell and how that experience prepared her for future opportunities as a performer on Broadway, a teacher, and a leader.
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In this episode we learn about the New York State Theater and the New York City Ballet from a new perspective: backstage! Perry Silvey worked at the theater for over 40 years in many positions, including stage manager and technical director. He began working there during the last 7 years of Balanchine’s life, and during the last 22 years of Robbins’ life. Perry recounts his favorite memories of calling the light cues for ballets like Glass Pieces, managing the specificity of Duo Concertant, and the joys and trials of Nutcracker.
Additional Resources:
New York State Theater History