Search results for: spencer liff

Waiting in the Wings

Many things start in September, and the theater season used to be one of them. But once air-conditioning arrived, theatergoing became possible even during a New York summer. So the 2016–17 theater season began in July, with the return of two oldies but goodies. Motown: The Musical brought the life story of music legend Berry […]

2016 Tony Awards—Our Favorite Dance Moments

We’re not saying that we called it, but…okay we did. The 2016 Tony Awards were last night, and Hamilton swept up 11 of 13 possible awards, including Best Musical and Best Choreography for Andy Blankenbuehler. The smash hit was nominated for 16 awards, but with multiple nods in some categories. However, even though it was inarguably Hamilton‘s […]

What to Expect at This Weekend's Tony Awards

We all know why this year could very well be the most watched Tony Awards of all time. Not only has Hamilton converted the unlikeliest of people into musical theater lovers, but its tickets are so hard to come by that a live television performance may be the closest most of us get to seeing the revolutionary show. […]

Savion Glover Takes Home a Drama Desk Award

The 2016 Drama Desk Awards were last night, and although Hamilton wasn’t eligible (it won seven awards last year as an Off-Broadway production), dance was still prevalent amongst the winners. Shuffle Along was named Outstanding Musical, with Savion Glover taking home the award for Outstanding Choreography. Also nominated in the choreography category: Joshua Bergasse‘s old-school tapping in Cagney, Spencer Liff’s integration […]

Robert Fairchild Lands Another Musical Theater Gig

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 […]

Finding the Music in Silence

Spencer Liff brought dance-like sign language to Spring Awakening. Austin P. McKenzie, a hearing actor, in Spring Awakening. Photo by Joan Marcus, Courtesy Boneau/Bryan-Brown. You assume it’s part of rehearsing every single Broadway musical, bar none. But in the two years Spencer Liff spent working on the current reimagining of the Tony-winning Spring Awakening, he never uttered […]

Ali Stroker: First Wheelchair Performer on Broadway

Her movements are searingly sharp and her sense of rhythm is unerring. Her face is full of fierce determination, befitting the cast of the feisty, fevered youngsters in this musical. Her singing voice is strong with an edge of sassiness. If you follow only this one ensemble performer throughout the evening, you would know the […]

New Lead, New Moves: Tailoring Hedwig's Choreography to Michael C. Hall

To some choreographers, revising a show that’s already opened to raves—not to mention four Tonys—would seem a superfluous chore. But Spencer Liff was happy to be back in New York this fall for a week to rework his Hedwig and the Angry Inch choreography for Michael C. Hall (of “Dexter” fame), who was following on […]