Jared Grimes News

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.

Jeanna de Waal, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Kevin Chamberlin, George Abud, Kimberly Immanuel, Adrianna Hicks, Ann Harada, Lara Teeter, Eric Jordan Young, Danny Gardner, Spencer Jones and Joe Capstick will star in the Muny production of Anything Goes.

Jared Grimes will host the 2024 Chita Rivera Awards on May 20 at NYU Skirball Center, celebrating excellence in dance and choreography on Broadway and beyond.

Jared Grimes will host the Chita Rivera Awards. See who is nominated and learn more about the awards!

This year's Jazz at Lincoln Center gala featured a host of star-studded performers including Kristin Chenoweth, Bernadette Peters, Josh Groban, and many more. A small sample of the hundreds of songs superstar Tony Bennett recorded and sang in concerts sparkled in this one-night-only concert on April 17th.

On Wednesday April 17th at 7 pm, theatergoers gathered at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater for their annual gala. This year's gala paid tribute to Tony Bennett with guests including Rubén Blades, Bernadette Peters, Norm Lewis, Kristin Chenoweth, Bill Charlap, Jared Grimes, Ekep Nkwelle, and many more. See highlights from the concert.

Are you trying to plan your entertainment for the week or looking for a fun show to see this weekend? We have you covered with a few top picks for jazz, cabaret, comedy, and more! NYC has so many incredible events, but here are a few top picks to consider this week.

Jazz at Lincoln Center has announced that its 2024 Gala, Celebrating Tony Bennett, will be available for Jazz Live subscribers to stream live on April 17, 2024 at 7 p.m. EDT. This year, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s signature fundraising event celebrates the late, great vocalist Tony Bennett’s unique contributions and fierce dedication to the jazz community. Celebrating Tony Bennett—hosted by Josh Groban and anchored by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis—features special guests, Bernadette Peters, Kristin Chenoweth, Norm Lewis, and more.

The Muny has revealed the teams of directors, choreographers and music directors for its 2024 season. Learn about the shows this season and see how to purchase tickets!

The Joyce Theater Foundation is continuing its mission to bring the best in dance to its New York City stage in the eighth iteration of American Dance Platform.

Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater presents Gabriel Chajnik’s The Polar Express, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book from 1985, at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Deal Park from December 1 through 10.

Experience the magic of 'The Polar Express' in a new dance tradition presented by Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater. Don't miss this enchanting holiday performance!

Chicago Human Rhythm Project  to present 35th Anniversary presentation of Holiday Rhythms. Get full details.

Drag is back for the holidays at Olney Theatre Center with Drag the Halls, two nights of holiday-themed performances on December 8 and 9 in the 1938 Original Theatre.

The complete cast has been set for the world premiere of Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.

BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big opening night of Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals here!

Live at Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will feature a number of exciting performances from top jazz artists this October. Check out the lineup here!

BIRDLAND JAZZ CLUB will present the singular cabaret artist Maude Maggart in the premiere of her new show “Here Come the Dreamers” on Monday, October 16 at 7:00 PM.

Lea Michele will be out of both performances of Funny Girl as she is under the weather, per an announcement from the production. Julie Benko will play Fanny Brice at both performances today, and her regularly scheduled performance tomorrow. Lea Michele is expected to return to the show Friday, September 1st.

Broadway says goodbye to productions. Funny Girl takes its final bow at the August Wilson Theatre following 130 previews and 599 regular performances; and Once Upon a One More Time will conclude its run at the Marquis Theatre following 42 previews and 81 regular performances.