Ayodele Casel

Interview: CHOREOGRAPHERS ELLENORE SCOTT & AYODELE CASEL GIVE FUNNY GIRL'S SAGA FLAIR, FUN & FINESSE

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.

Contemporary Dance Series At Bryant Park Picnic Performances Beginning June 6

Discover the Contemporary Dance Series at Bryant Park Picnic Performances starting June 6, featuring Ayodele Casel, David Dorfman Dance, Ronald K. Brown/EVIDENCE, Mark Morris Dance Group, and more.

Broadway Classic FUNNY GIRL Heads To Hartford's Bushnell This June!

The beloved Broadway show FUNNY GIRL is set to grace Hartford's Bushnell this June, bringing its iconic story and music to life for theater enthusiasts.

Video: FUNNY GIRL's Katerina McCrimmon Performs National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants

Watch Katerina McCrimmon wow the crowd with her rendition of the National Anthem at a San Francisco Giants game on Monday, May 13, 2024 in the video here!

BRYANT PARK PICNIC PERFORMANCES Adds New Artists To Summer Lineup

Discover the latest additions to Bryant Park Picnic Performances, featuring Natu Camara, Lakou Mizik, Cristina Vane, Slavic Soul Party!, Ayodele Casel, and more.

FUNNY GIRL, MYSTIC PIZZA & More Set For Kravis 2024/2025 Season

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts announced its 16th season of Kravis On Broadway brimming with Tony Award®-winning hits. The 2024 – 2025 Kravis On Broadway season showcases Broadway’s finest with a subscription package power-packed with 32 Tony Awards® among them. 

Video: Katerina McCrimmon & Melissa Manchester Talk FUNNY GIRL on ABC7 News Bay Area

In the video here, Katerina McCrimmon (Fanny Brice) and Melissa Manchester (Mrs. Brice) sit down with ABC7 News Bay Area to discuss the FUNNY GIRL national tour, making a stop at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco through May 26, 2024.

Ballet Hispánico's Quinceañera Gala Raised More Than $1.3 Million

Ballet Hispánico's Quinceañera Gala raises over $1.3 million for artistic, educational, and community outreach programs.

Meet the Cast of ILLINOISE, Beginning Performances Today on Broadway

Previews begin tonight, April 24, for Illinoise, the theatrical adaptation of Grammy- and Oscar-nominated Sufjan Stevens’ concept album Illinois. Performances will continue through August 10 at the St. James Theatre. Meet the cast of Illinoise here!

FUNNY GIRL Comes to Dallas This Summer

 Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America (BAA) have announced that FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to Dallas’ Music Hall at Fair Park for a limited two-week engagement from August 6 to August 18.

PARADE, FUNNY GIRL And More Available for PNC Broadway In Kansas City Season Membership Packages

PNC Broadway in Kansas City has announced that new Season Ticket Packages for the 24–25 Broadway season are available now.

Tickets to FUNNY GIRL at Atlanta's Fox Theatre to go on Sale in May

Purchase tickets in May for the national tour of Funny Girl at Atlanta's Fox Theatre.

FUNNY GIRL, LIFE OF PI & More Set for 24-25 Broadway In Pittsburgh Season

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has unveiled the 2024-2025 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh season. Learn about the shows and see how to purchase tickets.

Review: MAX ROACH 100 at The Joyce Theater for Extraordinary Music and Dance  

Weekend plans?  We have a suggestion that our readers will thoroughly enjoy.  Max Roach 100, a centennial celebration of the gifted artist, is being performed at The Joyce Theater through Sunday, 4/7.

Video: First Look At Sting's MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE at New York City Center

Music icon Sting returns to NYC with Message In A Bottle, a new dance-theater show, set to 27 of his most beloved songs. Get a first look at the show in new video of the production!

New Subscription Packages Available for 2024-2025 Broadway at The Paramount Season

Broadway at The Paramount's new season subscription packages are availalbe for the 2024-2025 season. Learn more about the shows and see how to purchase tickets.

ALL ARTS' 2024 Film Festival to Premiere Films by Ayodele Casel, Raja Feather Kelly & Katy Pyle

ALL ARTS will premiere films by acclaimed choreographers Ayodele Casel, Raja Feather Kelly and Katy Pyle on its free streaming app. Learn how to stream!

Meet the Cast of THE GREAT GATSBY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway

The Great Gatsby begins previews tonight, March 29, 2024, and is set to open on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at The Broadway Theatre. Meet the cast of The Great Gatsby here!

FUNNY GIRL, SHUCKED & More Set for 2024-2025 Broadway In Boston Season

Broadway In Boston has revealed its 2024-2025 Broadway In Boston Season at the Citizens Opera House and the Emerson Colonial Theatre. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets.

FUNNY GIRL Comes to the Ahmanson Next Month

FUNNY GIRL, the sensational musical comedy revival, is coming to the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles for a limited four-week engagement from Tuesday, April 2 to Sunday, April 28, 2024. The press opening is Wednesday, April 3.