Emanuel Abruzzo, Colin Bradbury, et al. Set for Chet Walker-Helmed HEATWAVE

Casting has been announced for the world premiere of HEAT WAVE: THE Jack Cole PROJECT, a new musical entertainment set to debut at Queens Theatre (14 United Nations Avenue South in Flushing Meadows Corona Park) with performances starting on May 3rd 2012.

Conceived, directed and choreographed by Chet Walker, co-creator of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Fosse, the musical pays tribute to the father of Jazz and Musical Theatre Dance--and choreographer to Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and dozens of other stars of the Golden Age of movie musicals--Mr. Jack Cole. The cast will include: Emanuel Abruzzo, Colin Bradbury, David Elder, Rosie Lani Fiedelman, Andrew Fitch, Leeds Hill, Nadine Isenegger, Joshua Schulteis, Kristin Piro, Rachelle Rak, Matt Rivera, Lindsay Roginski, and Jena VanElslander all under the direction of Chet Walker.

"We could not be more thrilled with the caliber of talent that we have in the cast," said Ray Cullom, Producing Artistic Director of Queens Theatre. "These dancers had to go through the most rigorous auditions I've ever seen. Our audience is in for a treat and the experience of a lifetime, as the work of this incredible master choreographer is recreated live on our stage. This show transcends and defies description - you do not have to like dance or even musical theatre to love it!" Produced by Queens Theatre, HEAT WAVE: THE Jack Cole PROJECT is an all- singing, all-dancing tribute to the work of Jack Cole, featuring recreations of more than two dozen Cole numbers from such films as "There's No Business Like Show Business," "Kismet," "Les Girls," and "On the Riviera," as well as new pieces choreographed in Cole's inimitable style.

Jack Cole (1911-1974) was one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. Best known for his film work with Marilyn Monroe ("Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend"), Rita Hayworth ("Put the Blame on Mame") and Betty Grable, Cole invented a style of dance that we know today as Jazz and Musical Theatre Dance. Through his work with these Hollywood stars, as well as with Gwen Verdon, Alvin Ailey and Marge & Gower Champion, Cole influenced legions of dancers and choreographers, including Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins and Michael Bennett. His legacy lives on in the choreography of virtually every musical to this day.

HEAT WAVE: THE Jack Cole PROJECT is set to begin performances on May 3rd. Tickets are on sale at the Queens Theatre Box Office, by phone at 718 760- 0064 or online at queenstheatre.org. Queens Theatre is located at 14 United Nations Avenue South, Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, NY.

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