Hamlisch Writes New Tune for Lansbury & More at Career Transition for Dancers 11/8

Rolex presents Career Transition For Dancers' 25th ANNIVERSARY SILVER JUBILEE: A STAR-STUDDED RETROSPECTIVE on Monday, November 8, 2010 at 7:00 pm at New York City Center, 131 West 55 Street (btwn. 6th and 7th Ave) NYC. Hosted by Angela Lansbury, the five-time Tony Award-winning actress, and legendary star of musicals, films and television icon; the spectacular evening will highlight magical moments from past glittering galas. Award winning composer Marvin Hamlisch has created a Pièce d'occasion.

Capturing the essence of the dancer in music is one of the many talents of Marvin Hamlisch; the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer of A Chorus Line, who has written about dancers in many stages of their careers. Producer/Director Ann Marie DeAngelo, asked him if he would be willing to write a song that caught the spirit of dancers as they move into their second act. Thus, the new song, I'm Really Dancing will premiere at the Gala. Mr. Hamlisch enlisted Rupert Holmes, who has written the book and lyrics for musicals such as the Tony Award-winning Drood and Curtains. Together they created a light-hearted anthem that captures the spirit of the dancer that always stays alive, whether they transition within the field or out of it. Mr. Hamlisch will perform the song that will be sung by Angela Lansbury and others. The musical arrangement is by David Caldwell with choreography by Ms. DeAngelo.

As a composer, Marvin Hamlisch has won virtually every major award that exists: three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards. He is one of only two people to have been awarded Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and a Tony plus a Pulitzer Prize (the other is Richard Rodgers) He was Musical Director and arranger of Barbra Streisand's historic 1994 concert tour of the U.S. and England as well as of the television special, "Barbra Streisand: The Concert" (for which he received two of his Emmys). Mr. Hamlisch was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for his score of the film, The Informant. In addition to many personal concert dates each year, he is the Principal Pops Conductor for the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC and Symphony Orchestras in Pittsburgh, Dallas, Colorado, Milwaukee, Seattle and San Diego.
Also appearing are Tony Award Winners: Bebe Neuwirth, Ann Reinking, Chita Rivera, Karen Ziemba and Charlotte d"Amboise and Edward Villella. Artists from some of America's greatest dance companies: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, The Joffrey Ballet, MOMIX, National Dance Institute, and Parsons Dance, will perform at the entertainment/dance event of the new season. There will be show-stopping Broadway numbers and more! The 2010 Rolex Dance Award will be presented to Twyla Tharp. The Career Transition For Dancers' Awards for Outstanding Contributions to the World of Dance will be presented to the organization's four union founders: Actors' Equity Association, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, American Guild of Musical Artists, Screen Actors Guild; as well as an award each to The Barth Family and to the CTFD President Cynthia G. Fischer. Also at the gala the Capezio Ballet Makers Dance Foundation will present Trisha Brown with the 59th annual Capezio Dance Award. Artists & program subject to change without notice.

Career Transition For Dancers (CTFD), with offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, has helped over 4,600 professional dancers in 47 states identify their unique talents in preparation for establishing new careers when dance is no longer an option. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has provided more than 46,000 hours (equivalent to over $4 million) of one-on-one career counseling and program services - at no cost - and has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships for education, entrepreneurial grants, and certification programs. CTFD also provides dancers with specialized services that include transition seminars and workshops, peer support groups, resource centers, a toll-free national career counseling hotline, a website, and a National Career Network. The Caroline & Theodore Newhouse Center for Dancers is located at 165 West 46th Street Suite 701 (at Broadway - the Actors' Equity Building) NYC 10036; tel. (212) 764-0172 and fax (212) 764-0343. In Los Angeles: 5757 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 455, LA, CA 90036; tel. (323) 549-6660 and fax (323) 549-6810. In Chicago: at Hubbard Street Dance Center, 1147 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607; tel. (312) 666-0234 and fax (312) 455-8240. www.careertransition.org
Patron tickets are $600, $750 and $1,200 each. Tables for 10 start at $7,500. Patron tickets and tables include premium performance seating, post-performance Anniversary Supper with the Stars, dancing and a live auction at the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton New York. For gala tickets please call Marjorie Horne, McEvoy & Assocs. at (212) 228-7446 x33. For group sales call (718) 499-9691. Show only tickets are also available at $45, $55, $75 & $130 on sale at the Box Office and through CityTix 212 581-1212.

Don't Miss a Broadway News Story Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...