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Lainie Sakakura

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Lainie Sakakura BIO

NYC based director, award winning choreographer, producer, librettist. Recipient of the 2015 Joe A. Callaway Award for Outstanding Choreography and 2002 Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Choreography. Broadway: Dance Reconstruction & Onstage Dance Captain for FOSSE (1999 Tony Award Best Musical) and Original Cast member of 6 Broadway shows and 2015 Legacy Robe Recipient. Directed LIZZIE, TheaterWorks Hartford and in NYC directed work at Cherry Lane, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, Joyce Theater, Neighborhood Playhouse, Summer Stage Central Park. Conceived & Directed MY AAPI BROADWAY STORY: BREAKING BARRIERS, Lincoln Center Library for the Performing Arts, Bruno Walter Auditorium. Book & Direction CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, musical adaptation of The New York Times Best Seller, 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' by Jamie Ford, Theatre 71. Concept/Direction/Producer ALVIN ING solo shows, The 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. Most recent NYC Choreography (2023): THE FROGS, Rose Theater at Jazz Lincoln Center and BCEFA EASTER BONNET 'National Tours.' Extensive Bob Fosse choreography reconstruction work (1994-1999) with Gwen Verdon and Chet Walker. Co-Choreographer CASPER starring Chita Rivera. Reconstructed BIG SPENDER starring Ann Reinking & Chita Rivera for Cy Coleman's memorial, Majestic Theatre. Verdon Fosse Legacy Director-Reconstructor-Teacher. Longtime advocate for diversity and inclusion in the performing arts, producing and directing 40 multicultural shows. Co-founder/co-chair: ROCKETTES OF COLOR ALUMNAE and SAKACHEZ® fiscally sponsored through New York Live Arts. 2023-2024 Broadway Co-Producer with Theatre Producers of Color.

Lainie Sakakura Photos

Lainie Sakakura STAGE CREDITS

[St. Louis, MO (Regional)]
The Muny Revival, 2017
Geminae

[Broadway]
Lincoln Center Theatre Broadway Revival, 2015
Ensemble

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Revival, 2011
Ensemble

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2005
Ensemble

Camille (Understudy)

Colette (Understudy)

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2002
Ensemble

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1999
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Archer (ballet)

Archer

Ensemble

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1994
Showroom Patron

Working Girl

Lainie Sakakura Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2014]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1999]
Dance Captain

Lainie Sakakura Videos

Lainie Sakakura News


Lainie Sakakura Will Moderate New York Theatre Barn's Choreography Lab This Month


New York Theatre Barn will launch the 11th season of its Choreography Lab on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 at 7PM ET.

Review: Comedy Tonight! MasterVoices Does THE FROGS, Or Why Isn't Sondheim at the Met?


MasterVoices, under Ted Sperling, found THE FROGS irresistible—and the result was a hit, or, as Shakespeare wrote in “Hamlet”: “A hit, a very palpable hit.” With its libretto by Burt Shevelove and Nathan Lane (and Nathan Lane again), it fit the stage of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theatre very nicely indeed.

Review: MASTERVOICES' THE FROGS Made a Little-known Sondheim Score Soar at Jazz At Lincoln Center


The Frogs is a humorous piece of fluff, with great character songs, and lush choral works. MasterVoices hit it out of the park with this exquisite staging of an interesting work that’s unlikely to get a revival like this anytime soon.

Photos: LIZZIE Celebrates Opening Night At TheaterWorks Hartford


TheaterWorks Hartford's production of LIZZIE is written by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt, and directed by Lainie Sakakura. See photos from the production and opening night here.

Nathan Lane and More Set For Concert Version of THE FROGS at Lincoln Center


MasterVoices opens its 2023-24 season on November 3 and 4 at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater, with three performances of a concert staging of Stephen Sondheim and Burt Shevelove's The Frogs, as adapted by Nathan Lane. Learn more about this new production and how to get tickets here!

LIZZIE Comes to TheaterWorks Hartford in September


TheaterWorks Hartford has revealed details for its all-female musical Lizzie by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt. Directed by Lainie Sakakura and with music direction by Erika R. Gamez, Lizzie uses a searing rock score to explore the historical record of Lizzie Borden, the 19th century ax murderer whose controversial acquittal continues to fascinate the public.

LIZZIE: The Musical Opens TheaterWorks Hartford Season September 29


TheaterWorks Hartford (TWH), under the leadership of Producing Artistic Director Rob Ruggiero, has announced details for its upcoming 2023–2024 Season. Filled with great music, captivating stories, and world-class writing, it's unexpected and bold theater that brings community together.

TheaterWorks Hartford Unveils 2023-2024 Season & Details for All-Female Musical LIZZIE


Get ready for an exciting season at TheaterWorks Hartford as they reveal their lineup for 2023-2024, including the highly anticipated all-female musical 'LIZZIE'. Immerse yourself in the powerful and captivating story of 'LIZZIE' and experience the unforgettable theater experience that TheaterWorks Hartford has in store for you.

LIZZIE, SANCTUARY CITY & More Set for TheaterWorks Hartford 2023/24 Season


TheaterWorks Hartford has announced details for its upcoming 2023–2024 season. See full programming and learn how to purchase tickets!

Asian American Arts Alliance Awards Shannon Yu The 2023 Jadin Wong Fellowship For Dance


Asian American Arts Alliance has announced the selection of Shannon Yu (余香儒) (Sha/Shas) for its 2023 Jadin Wong Fellowship, which includes a $6,000 unrestricted cash award and eight months of professional development training and career support to foster the next milestone of Yu's artistic career.

Photos/Video: Watch Highlights from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' Easter Bonnet Competition


The theater community rallied together once again with spirited skits, dynamic dance and brilliant bonnets as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ Easter Bonnet Competition returned April 24 and 25, 2023. The performances celebrated in-theater Red Bucket appeals that raised $3,601,355 for meals and medication, health care and hope for those who need them most.

Christian Borle, Ben Platt, the SIX Queens & More to Join the Return of the Easter Bonnet Competition


Stars, standouts and the most sensational ensembles of Broadway will unveil their best bonnets and skits at next week’s long-awaited return of the Easter Bonnet Competition! See who is taking part and learn how to purchase tickets.

Theatre Producers of Color Announces 2023 Cohorts


Theatre Producers of Color, the newly formed organization committed to supporting the next generation of BIPOC producers by providing access to education, training, and mentorship, announced their 2023 cohort for the third-annual education program – “Producing 101'.

Winners Announced For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards


The winners have been announced for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards, honoring the best in regional productions, touring shows, and more which had their first performance between October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022.

12 Days Left To Vote For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards; Playhouse on Park Leads Favorite Local Theatre!


The latest standings as of Monday, December 19th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

Latest Stats Released For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards; at Playhouse on Park Leads Best Ensemble Performance!


The latest standings as of Monday, December 12th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

Latest Standings Released For The 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards; Playhouse on Park Leads Favorite Local Theatre!


The latest standings as of Monday, December 5th, have been released for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

First Stats Released For The BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards; Playhouse on Park's PIPPIN Leads Best Musical


The first live standings have been announced for the 2022 BroadwayWorld Connecticut Awards! Nominations were reader-submitted and now our readers get to vote for their favorites.

VIDEO: Go Inside the Recreation of Mein Herr's Original Choreography for CABARET at Goodspeed


See how choreographer Lainie Sakakura reconstructed Bob Fosse's original choreography for 'Mein Herr' from the 1972 film for Goodspeed Musicals' production of Cabaret.

VIDEO: Get A First Look At 'Mein Herr' From CABARET at Goodspeed Featuring Original Fosse Choreography


Get a first look at the company in action as Goodspeed Musicals kicks off its first full season of musicals since 2019 with the spring production of Kander and Ebb's dazzling and daring classic, Cabaret.

Lainie Sakakura FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Lainie Sakakura been in?

Lainie Sakakura has appeared on Broadway in 6 shows.

How many West End shows has Lainie Sakakura been in?

Lainie Sakakura has not appeared in the West End.

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