The world premiere musical Take the Lead celebrated opening night at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse April 6, and we've got photos to let you in on the fun. Adapted from the 2006 dance film by Dianne Houston, the musical is directed and choreographed by Tony winner Christopher Gattelli. Visit the musical's opening night festivities in the gallery below.
Cheetah Girls star Adrienne Bailon-Houghton leads the company as Arianna, opposite Vincent Jamal Hooper as Rock, Savy Jackson as La Rhette, Tam Mutu as Pierre Dulaine, and Matthew Risch as Alan.
The cast also includes Eric Ascione, Megan Elyse Fulmer, Gaelen Gilliland, David Jennings, Dillon Lehman, Natalia Nieves, Justin O’Brien, Kevin Trinio Perdido, Ryan Raffloer, Deon Releford-Lee, Cristian Rodriguez, Kiki Rodriguez, Jonalyn Saxer, Tatiana Seliverstova, SeQuoiia, Grace Slear, Salome Smith, Stephani Sosa, Christian Whan, and Zoë Zimmerman. Casting is by The Telsey Office.
Inspired by the true story of Pierre Dulaine, the work tracks the former pro dancer who brings ballroom dancing into New York City public schools. The film, which starred Antonio Banderas, has been adapted by book writers Robert Cary and Jonathan Tollins, with songs by Elliah Heifetz and Zeniba Now. Jennifer Weber (& Juliet) and Maria Torres (So You Think You Can Dance) co-choreograph.
Musically, the production features music supervision by Bill Sherman, music direction by Geoffrey Ko, and orchestrations and arrangements by Bill Sherman and Ko. The creative team also includes scenic designer Paul Tate DePoo III, costume designer Jen Caprio, lighting designers Justin Townsend and Nick Solyom, sound designer Walter Trarbach, and hair, wig, and makeup designer Earon Chew Nealey. Molly Meg Legal serves as production stage manager.
Tickets are at PaperMill.org.
