Daily Dance: Behind-The-Scenes Of FX's 'Fosse/Verdon'

I have loved FX's mini-series Fosse/Verdon. Sorry to see we reached the finale this Tuesday.

One of the highlights of the series, which chronicles the lives, love and collaborations of director/choreographer Bob Fosse and 4-time Tony Award winner Gwen Verdon, has been the attention to detail in regard to the famous 'Fosse style' of dance presented throughout the series.

FX put together this behind-the-scenes look at how the choreography achieved such authenticity, in great part to members of the Verdon Fosse Legacy Project.

The project is made of of dancers who worked closely with Fosse on his Broadway productions and so have first hand knowledge of what the true, original intent of iconic steps and dance numbers was.

In the video below, Dana Moore, Lloyd Culbreath, and Valarie Pettiford talk about their work and experiences with the master himself.

I've worked with Dana, Lloyd and Valarie, and they definitely are the keepers of the flame.

When I went into the Broadway production of Chicago the Musical, it truly was like learning a new language. Dancing 'Fosse style' means mastering a vocabulary all unto itself.

Over the years, I've staged four productions of Chicago using the same approach that Ann Reinking did of creating my own version but utilizing the vocabulary, and there's no cheating on that.

Trust and believe, Fosse dancers spot bad 'imitation Fosse' from a mile away.

Check out the video below, and bravo to the folks who gave us this terrific series.

New Trailer For Upcoming 'Fosse/Verdon' Miniseries

I. Can. Not. Wait.

FX dropped a new trailer for the upcoming Fosse/Verdon - a mini-series chronicling the oh-so-complicated relationship between director/choreographer Bob Fosse and four-time Tony Award winner Gwen Verdon.

Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams star in the series.

Bob Fosse is a visionary filmmaker and one of theater’s most influential choreographers and directors.

Gwen Verdon is the greatest Broadway dancer of all time.

Fosse/Verdon will tell the story of these two brilliant, complicated individuals – the love they shared, the art they created, and the price they paid in the pursuit of greatness.

There’s a price to pursuing perfection.

Premieres April 9 on FX.

Here's the previously released teaser which is so 'Fosse' I had to sit down for a minute.

Video Tease: Upcoming Mini-Series 'Fosse/Verdon'

The new teaser for the upcoming FX mini-series Fosse/Verdon is perfection.

Starring Sam Rockwell as Broadway innovator/director/choreographer Bob Fosse, and Michelle Williams as his muse/wife, Gwen Verdon, the series will "tell the story of these two brilliant, complicated individuals — the love they shared, the art they created, and the price they paid in the pursuit of greatness.”

Anyone who is a fan of the brilliant Broadway power couple will recognize the iconic style in the rapid-fire series of images including finger snaps, toe-taps, bowler hats, fishnet stockings, red/blue mood light and, yes, jazz hands.

The project has the blessing of Nicole Fosse, the daughter of Fosse and Verdon, who will also act as an executive producer on the series.

“My mother and father have one of the greatest love stories ever known,” Nicole Fosse said in a statement. “They were extremely complex people with an indestructible bond, loyalty and trust that endured both fantasy and reality. Finally, we have a creative team with the talent and wisdom to tell the story.”

In addition to being a longtime fan, as many readers know, I was a cast member of the Broadway revival of Chicago the Musical. The experience led me to study and revere (even more!) the genius these two brought to the Broadway stage.

Watch below. Look for the series to debut in April. I can't wait.

Gwen Verdon Would Have Been 88 today

Although she died at the age of 75, 4-time Tony Award winner would have been 88 today.

I wanted to remember her today with one of my favorite, albeit not one of her most famous, dances.

This clip from the Ed Sullivan Show features dances called "Cool Hand Luke" & "Tijuana Brass" choreographed for her by, of course, Bob Fosse. But it's unusual in that it showcases her softer, more sensitive side of dance.

From the Fosse Bio by Sam Wasson, page 237:

In Oct '68, with the bulk of editing (Sweet Charity) behind him, Fosse took a moment to repay Gwen the only way he knew how. He choreographed two pieces for her (Verdon's) appearance on The Bob Hope Show.

"Cool Hand Luke" and "Tijuana Brass."  Each betrayed the softness he tried so hard to conceal. "Cool Hand Luke," especially - Fosse's most warm-hearted creation, a matador's lullaby devoid of ironic comment.

Accompanied by Lee Roy Reams (Stage right in opening) and Buddy Vest, Gwen strutted and snapped through "Luke" with elegant machismo, receiving in wide welcoming arms Fosse's plaintive offering to her sensuality. "Every moment of creating this dance," Reams said, "was a pleasure and a joy."

In the mid-80s I had a chance meeting with Verdon at a bank of elevators at what used to be the Minskoff Studios. I'd was - predictably - tongue tied. Alone in that space I stammered and saying "OMG, you're you!" She smiled warmly, nodded and said "Yes." I pulled out my resume (having come from an audition minutes earlier, it was the only piece of paper I had) and asked for her autograph. And of course, she signed. Charming and classy. And sooooo nice.

In my career as a dancer and choreographer, I've had great joy in exploring the Verdon/Fosse legacy. From CHICAGO to Sweet Charity, the depth and unique gifts she brought to her performances is almost unimaginable.

A great, great star.