Sara Mearns and Joshua Bergasse to Perform in Premiere of “America(na) To Me” at Jacob’s Pillow!

“In 1942, Jacob’s Pillow presented the very first concert in the Ted Shawn Theatre. Conceived as a showcase of American Folk Dances curated by Shawn, the program included square dances and Agnes de Mille’s Hell on Wheels, inaugurating the first theatre in the United States designed for dance. As we celebrate the renovation of the Ted Shawn Theatre and the 90th anniversary of the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Associate Curators Melanie George and Ali Rosa-Salas revisit the theme of that first program by inviting dance artists to reflect on what American identity means to them. America(na) to Me encapsulates the heart of the 90th Anniversary Season at Jacob’s Pillow, looking at the dance landscape and the world at large today. This presentation offers an ever-timely reflection on how dance engages questions of heritage, tradition, and belonging.” America(na)To Me runs from June 22-26. Click here for tickets!

She Dances. He Directs. How They Created a Balletic Battle of the Sexes.

“Now, Mr. Bergasse, 46, is creating new moves for his Angel, Ms. Mearns, 33, who is a principal dancer with New York City Ballet, the company that Balanchine formed, with Lincoln Kirstein, in 1948. In the show, an Angel comes down from heaven, marries a mortal — Count Willy Palaffi (Mark Evans) — and loses her wings.

It’s a part made for Ms. Mearns who, as it happens is not only beautiful, but also funny — smart and daffy in a Carole Lombard kind of way, with a rich, meaty speaking voice. When Mr. Bergasse choreographed the Broadway musical “On the Town,” he created the “Lonely Town” pas de deux on her. (She filled in at the last minute for one performance.) But this is the couple’s biggest project together so far, and Ms. Mearns’s first speaking role.”

Read more here.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” at Proctors

“Another reason the [Charlie and the Chocolate Factory] should interest local audiences is that it features the choreography of Joshua Bergasse. Summer theater fans should be familiar with Bergasse’s talent from his work at Barrington Stage Company.

Overall, he describes the choreography in Chocolate Factory as ‘diverse. No two numbers are alike,’ he says. He explains that the young girl Veruca is now a budding ballerina, which provides for some classically influenced dance. Augustus is from Bavaria which lends itself to an ethnic-influenced number and Violet is a YouTube pop singer – enough said.”

Read more here.

Nikki M. James, Mark Evans, Ann Harada, More Set for “I Married an Angel” at Encores! Directed/Choreographed by Joshua Bergasse

“New York City Center continues its 2019 Encores! series with Rodgers and Hart’s I Married an Angel, running March 20–24 as part of the midtown venue’s 75th anniversary season. Among those joining the previously announced Sara Mearns of the New York City Ballet in the title role are Tony winner Nikki M. James, Mark Evans, and Ann Harada.

Director and choreographer (and Mearns’ fiancé) Joshua Bergasse leads a creative team that includes music director Rob Fisher. The 1938 musical comedy, which originally featured choreography by George Balanchine (before he went on to lead New York City Ballet at City Center), follows Call Me Madam in Encores!’ current lineup. High Button Shoes will follow in May.”

Read more here.

“CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY” Opens Its Doors In Sydney Tomorrow

“The spectacular new musical Roald Dahl‘s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory begins on stage tomorrow, 5 January, at the Capitol Theatre, Sydney, ahead of the official Opening Night on Friday 11 January.

‘This is such a wonderful story for generations to share,’ added John Frost, producer. ‘Parents love sharing their favourite Willy Wonka film from their childhood with the whole family, and grandparents love taking their grandkids. We have an amazing cast bringing this story to life.'”

Read more here.

Nominees Announced For 2018 Berkshire Theatre Critics Awards including “The Royal Family” Directed by Joshua Bergasse

“This week the Berkshire Theatre Critics Association is voting on the final award list in preparation for the Third Annual Berkshire Theatre Awards. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held on Monday, November 12 at 7 pm at the Zion Lutheran Church, 74 First Street (Route 7) in Pittsfield, MA.
The Royal Family of Broadway directed by Joshua Bergasse is nominated for Outstanding New Musical and Outstanding Choreography.”

Read more here.