Robert Fairchild Lands Another Musical Theater Gig

June 2, 2016

Robert Fairchild rehearsing for An American in Paris with Leanne Cope. Photo by Matt Trent.

After just one season back at New York City Ballet following a year of starring in An American in Paris on Broadway, Robert Fairchild is taking another stab at musical theater this summer. Fairchild will star in the Hollywood Bowl’s production of the iconic dance musical, A Chorus Line, along with an impressive list of Broadway veterans.

The production will only run for one weekend (July 29-31), so with top-notch dancers like Mara Davi and Spencer Liff (who’s returning to the stage after several successful Broadway productions as a choreographer) headlining the cast, it will be a hot ticket. As for Fairchild, he’s already proven that he has the chops to take on a demanding triple-threat role (he was nominated for a Tony for his portrayal of Jerry Mulligan). But then again, with choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, AAIP was as close to his comfort zone as a musical could get. Playing Mike in A Chorus Line—with its harder-hitting moves and dynamic vocal demands—might ask more of him. At least one aspect of his character will feel natural, though: Mike sings “I Can Do That” about wanting to dance like his older sister, just like Robert was inspired to dance by his fellow NYCB principal sister Megan.

Fairchild seems to have been bitten by the theater bug—he’ll reprise his role as Jerry Mulligan in London’s West End production of AAIP in March of 2017, alongside Leanne Cope. He’s joined the ranks of a growing number of ballet dancers who have moved to Broadway. And if anyone “Can Do That,” it’s Fairchild.

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