Lainie Sakakura

NYC based freelance director, award winning choreographer (Joe A. Callaway Award and Joseph Jefferson Award), librettist, 3x Tony nominated, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award winning co-producer with Theatre Producers of Color. Broadway: GYPSY (co-producer), SUFFS (co-producer), CABARET (co-producer), FOSSE (dance reconstruction & onstage dance captain) Tony Award Best Musical, and original cast member of 6 Broadway shows (recipient of the 2015 Legacy Robe for THE KING AND I). Director: LIZZIE, TheaterWorks Hartford, CARRIE, HEAD OVER HEELS, and in NYC Cherry Lane, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, Joyce Theater, Neighborhood Playhouse, Summer Stage Central Park, Theater 315. Book/direction CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, musical adaptation of NYT bestseller, 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' by Jamie Ford, Theatre 71; concept/direction CELEBRATING AAPI BROADWAY STORIES at Lincoln Center Public Library for the Performing Arts; concept/direction/producer ALVIN ING NYC solo shows, Triad & Don't Tell Mama; co-conceived/wrote/additional lyrics BCEFA Red Bucket Follies opening Celebrating 60th Anniversary FLOWER DRUM SONG and Asian Americans On Broadway, New Amsterdam Theatre. Choreography spans musicals, plays, commercial work including: CABARET and GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING at Goodspeed Musicals, THE FROGS, Rose Theater at Jazz Lincoln Center, EASTER BONNET 'National Tours' BCEFA, Ballet Hawaii. Extensive Bob Fosse choreography reconstruction work (1994-1999) with Gwen Verdon and Chet Walker (approx 70 Fosse reconstructions). Co-choreographer CASPER the Musical starring Chita Rivera. Staged BIG SPENDER starring Ann Reinking & Chita Rivera for Cy Coleman's memorial, Majestic Theatre. Longtime advocate for diversity and inclusion in the performing arts, producing and directing 40+ multicultural shows. Co-founder: ROCKETTES OF COLOR ALUMNAE and SAKACHEZ® fiscally sponsored through New York Live Arts. Adjunct professor NYU Tisch NSB, Pace, and/or guest director, artist, teacher at 18 universities. Member of 7 theatrical unions.