'Fiorello!' at the East 13th St. Theatre currently features performances by three music theatre alumni and original choreography by alumnus Michael Callahan '13.
Due to critical acclaim and record-breaking attendance, the Berkshire Theatre Group’s production of “Fiorello!” moved from the Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge to an Off-Broadway theatre (East 13th St. Theatre) in New York City. This is the first time the Berkshire Theatre Group have produced a show at an Off-Broadway Theatre.
The Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning ‘Fiorello!’ features music and lyrics by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, direction by Bob Moss, and choreography by Elon Music Theatre alumni Michael Callahan ’13. Callahan made his Broadway debut two years ago in Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” and later joined the National Tour of “Cinderella.” Callahan has also worked regionally all over the country at theatres like Goodspeed Opera House, Sacramento Music Circus, Asolo Repertory Theatre, and is currently performing in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” at Ogunquit Playhouse. Callahan choreographed the original production with Berkshire Theatre Group, as well as the transfer to Off-Broadway.
A reviewer noted, “The rough-and-tumble of New York politics in the early 20th century is captured with flair in the choreography by Michael Callahan.”
The ensemble of ‘Fiorello!’ also features several music theatre alumni as well. John Barsoian, a 2015 Elon graduate, joined the cast of “Fiorello!” shortly after finishing a year on the road with the National Tour of ‘Ragtime.’ Ben Redding, a 2013 graduate, is also a member of the ensemble. Redding recently toured the country starring as Riff in the National Tour of “West Side Story.” Jessica Riloff ’16 graduated this past May and, shortly after moving to New York, landed the position as a swing and the dance captain for this Off-Broadway production.
‘Fiorello!’ closes at the East 13th Street Theatre on Oct. 7. For tickets or more information, visit .http://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org/on-our-stages/theatre/619-fiorello-2