Bob Fosse is the first artist I would like to share my passion for, as he was a man whose work was always provocative, entertaining and intense. Fosse directed and choreographed a number of hit musicals including the original Broadway production of ‘Chicago.’ His signature style can be distinctly identified within the musical.Ever since I went to see a performance of ‘Chicago’ at The Adelphi Theatre, my true ambition has always been to play the character of Roxie Hart. She is a leading role you just cannot easily forget! The video below shows Ruthie Henshall, from the original West End cast of ‘Chicago,’ performing the number ‘Roxie’.
Fosse was a very innovative choreographer, who had developed a jazz dance style that is immediately recognizable, exuding a stylized, cynical, sexuality. Noticeable elements of his choreography include the use of inward knees, rounded shoulders and body isolations. Below is a transcript of an interview with his wife Gwen Verdon, who was the original Roxie Hart. She gives an insight to the precision of his work:
GWEN VERDON: "If there is any part of your body that could move, he would use it. But not all at once. I mean it would be a shoulder, a finger. He choreographed what you did with the joint of your little finger. Teacup fingers.”
Fosse drew influence from Fred Astaire, using props such as bowler hats, canes and chairs. I found out that his trademark use of hats was influenced by his own self-consciousness, as he started to go bald at an early age. He also used gloves in his performances because he did not like his hands!
During my final year of college, I had the opportunity to be part of the cast of the graduate show, ‘Fosse.’ It was one of the highlights of my training as I was able to work with Alistair David, a member of the original West End cast of ‘Chicago,’ and also Rachelle Rak, who most famously performed in the number ‘I Gotcha,’ from the original Broadway performance of ‘Fosse.’Their knowledge and execution of Fosse’s choreography is utterly inspiring, and aided me in performing movements which although simplistic, are demanding for even a highly trained dancer. Fosse is a truly motivating force in my role as a dancer and I continue to be captured by his work.
Idina MenzelIdina Menzel is an American award-winning actress, singer and songwriter. Best known for initiating the role of Maureen in Jonathan Larson’s rock musical ‘Rent,’ followed by the role of Elphaba in the musical ‘Wicked.
Idina Menzel grew up in New York, and began singing at Bar Mitzvahs and weddings at the age of fifteen. She then proceeded to study and achieve a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama before landing her Broadway debut as Maureen in ‘Rent.’
I first came to know about Idina Menzel, when a friend played me a version of ‘Take Me or Leave Me,’ from ‘Rent.’ I was amazed by the power and range of her voice as well as the distinct rock quality, which could literally raise the roof! It was obvious from the way Menzel stepped onto the Broadway scene, that she was a talent like no other and certainly not to be missed.
I finally had the opportunity to watch Idina Menzel in the original West End cast of ‘Wicked.’ This took me by surprise, as her live performance was absolutely outstanding. Far better than any recordings I’d heard of her voice, particularly the signature Elphaba solo song, ‘Defying Gravity,’ that finished the first act. As an actress, she managed to capture the vulnerability and endearing qualities of the green-skinned ‘wicked’ witch.Alongside, appearing in many other Broadway musicals such as ‘Aida,’ ‘Hair’ and also ‘Wild Party,’ she has proceeded to gain film roles, making appearances in ‘Just a Kiss,’ ‘Ask the Dust’ and ‘Enchanted.’ Idina Menzel has also released three solo albums, the third ‘I Stand’ being released in January 2008. One of my favorite songs on the album is called ‘Brave,’ as the lyrics inspired and encouraged me through a difficult point of my training.
It has always been my aspiration to be an artist who can achieve in all fields of theatre, film, television and recording. Idina Menzel is a fantastic role model and example that this is possible.
http://www.idinamenzel.com/
Stephen MearStephen Mear is a dancer and choreographer, most widely recognized for his choreographic work within Musical Theatre. He is a man who practically lives and breathes dance, something that I admire and can relate to!
Mear studied at a dance college like myself, from the age of eighteen, being accepted onto the musical theatre course at London Studio Centre. His West End debut was at the age of twenty in the cast of ‘Evita,’ whilst still a student at college.
He then proceeded to obtain parts in the West End musicals; 42nd Street, Cats, Follies, Anything Goes, Some Like It Hot and Crazy For You. Mear was then promoted to dance captain followed by assistant choreographer for the show ‘Crazy For You,’ eventually taking over the role of looking after the choreography single-handedly.
Mears progression from successful dancer to emerging, young choreographer was mostly thanks to his discipline, hard-work and extremely high standards. Since ‘Crazy For You,’ choreographing a whole number of musicals and famously co-choreographing ‘Mary Poppins,’ alongside Matthew Bourne.
Mear has now been chosen to choreograph Disney’s latest screen to stage spectacular of ‘The Little Mermaid!’ This seemingly was a challenge as it is not easy to create the illusion of appearing underwater on stage. It has been achieved successfully though, with the help of shoes with wheels on them so the dancers can walk and glide across the stage!Steven Mear came to watch my graduation performance, handing out each student’s diploma and congratulating them individually. It was fantastic to actually meet Stephen as he is someone who I both respect and would hope to work for in the future. I enjoy watching and also learning his choreography as it has a flow and a rhythm which makes the steps more pleasurable to dance. Below is a link to an article about Stephen Mear from The Stage online:
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