On Your Toes 1936

Opened: April 11, 1936

On Your Toes - 1936 - Broadway History , Info & More

Majestic Theatre (Broadway)
245 West 44th St. New York, NY

Gangsters, vaudeville and the Russian Ballet come together in this riotous, romantic romp. Junior's folks pull him from the family's vaudeville act and pack him off to school where he becomes a music teacher. He meets Sydney, a composer, and Frankie, a coed who's fallen hard for him, and together they set about trying to sell Sydney's new jazz ballet to a Russian ballet company. The prima ballerina wants to teach Junior more than a few new steps, but with her assistance, 'Slaughter On Tenth Avenue' is produced with Junior dancing the lead. In one of the funniest set pieces ever devised, Junior dances the premiere while being shot at from the audience by thugs who've mistaken him for a dancer who owes on a gambling debt. This landmark musical was directed by the legendary George Abbott and choreographed by newcomer George Balanchine, whose use of ballet here marked the first time in musical comedy that dance was a direct proponent of the plot.

Music by Rodgers, Richard; Lyrics by Lorenz Hart; Book by Rodgers & Hart & George Abbott

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Musicals Affected By the TikTok-Universal Fallout: WICKED, PHANTOM & More Banned From the App
by Michael Major - Mar 6, 2024


Decca Broadway, a frequent contributor of Broadway cast recordings and movie musical soundtracks, is a subsidary of Universal Music Group, therefore all its releases have been taken off TikTok. This includes Wicked, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, SHREK the Musical, Phantom of the Opera, Spring Awakening, Cats, Evita, and more.

Review: BEDSIDE MANNERS at ARTS Theatre
by Barry Lenny - Nov 4, 2022


We deserve a good laugh, and that is what a farce can deliver.

Sunday Morning Michael Dale: A Broadway Dance Classic Returns To Lincoln Center
by Michael Dale - Feb 13, 2022


New York City Ballet brings back Slaughter On Tenth Avenue, the Louis Armstrong House Museum reopens in Queens and a hat tip to the guy who keeps MJ grounded.

The Washington Ballet Will Continue Their Season With BALANCHINE + ASHTON
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 17, 2020


The Washington Ballet continues their bold 2019.20 season with BALANCHINE + ASHTON February 19-23 at The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater. The program features a suite of contrasting masterworks by two of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century: George Balanchine and Sir Frederick Ashton. Marcelo Gomes, an international ballet star, will make a special guest appearance.

Ray Bolger's 1948 Tony Award Sells For $19,490
by Stephi Wild - Aug 30, 2019


Wizard of Oz actor Ray Bolger's 1948 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical in the Broadway production 'Where's Charley?' sold Thursday night for $19,490 at Nate D. Sanders Auctions.

Ray Bolger's 1948 Tony Award Goes Up for Auction
by Julie Musbach - Aug 27, 2019


Wizard of Oz actor Ray Bolger's 1948 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical in the Broadway production a?oeWhere's Charley?a?? will be auctioned by Nate D. Sanders Auctions on August 29, 2019.

BWW Review: A COMEDY OF TENORS at Tipping Point Theatre is all Fun, Frenzy and Farce
by Julie Yolles - Dec 6, 2018


Ken Ludwig, the master of farce, brings us A Comedy of Tenors, the sequel to his 1989 Tony-winning Lend Me a Tenor, which is running through December 23 at Tipping Point Theatre. If you haven't seen Lend Me a Tenor, fear not, as this script and production certainly stands on its own and you can enjoy it just as equally. And, of course, with every great farce-a la Neil Simon's Rumors and Marc Camoletti's Boeing Boeing-- comes a lot of door slamming (an integral part to Monika Essen's posh set) and mistaken identities pulled off with comical finesse by Tipping Point's cast of seven.

Stage Directors & Choreographers Foundation Announces Annual Gala
by Julie Musbach - Sep 19, 2018


Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF), the independent, not-for-profit affiliate of SDC, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, today announced unique plans for its 2019 award evening, which will feature original choreographic pieces resulting from a special commissioning program, with the application period now open. SDCF also announced that Victoria Traube would receive a special 'Mr. Abbott' Award at the event, to be held March 25 at the French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF).

BWW Interview: Melissa Errico Talks Singing Sondheim at Feinstein's/54 Below and the Composer's Warmth/Ruthlessness
by Ashley Steves - May 31, 2017


Melissa Errico is no stranger to Stephen Sondheim. She played Dot/Marie at The Kennedy Center in the first revival of SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, Clara in PASSION in 2013 Off-Broadway, and, most recently, Leona in New York City Center's production of DO I HEAR A WALTZ?. Three shows and many performances later, Errico has become a major interpreter of the composer's work, daring but reverent, and hyper-focused on all of the minutiae and layers found per page of just one song. On June 3, she will bring her MELISSA ERRICO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM to Feinstein's/54 Below for its New York debut, following raves from its original incarnation in Washington, D.C. In between rehearsals prior to the show, we discussed her subliminal start on Sondheim, the composer's 'warmth [and] ruthlessness,' and how his work may or may not be a religion.

Berkshire Theatre Group's Off-Broadway Transfer of FIORELLO! Opens Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Sep 9, 2016


BTG's exciting revival is the first ever full-scale New York City and Off-Broadway revival of the hit musical. Previews of Fiorello! will began Sunday, September 4, at East 13th Street Theater (136 East 13th Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues), with opening night being held tonihgt, September 9, 2016.

Dad's Garage Theatre Nominated for Urban Land Institute Award
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 22, 2016


Our little chucklehut just received some major acclaim! The Urban Land Institute (ULI), an international organization dedicated to championing cutting-edge and sustainable development, nominated Dad's Garage Theatre for their 2016 Atlanta awards. The nomination is for the transformation of a former-church into the "Forever Home" for Atlanta's most popular improv theatre. Dad's Garage purchased the property at 569 Ezzard in January 2015, following a Kickstarter campaign that brought in more than $150,000. That campaign was the most successful live theatre fundraiser in Kickstarter history, and received contributions from across the world.

Full Company Set for BTG's Off-Broadway Transfer of FIORELLO!
by BWW News Desk - Aug 18, 2016


Today, BTG is thrilled to announce the complete and final casting of this exciting revival - the first ever full-scale New York City and Off-Broadway revival of the hit musical!

Berkshire Theatre Group's FIORELLO! Will Be Musical's First Full-Scale Off-Broadway Revival
by BWW News Desk - Aug 2, 2016


Berkshire Theatre Group (BTG) has just announced its sold-out production of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical Fiorello! will transfer to Off-Broadway's East 13th Street Theater (136 East 13th Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues), home of Classic Stage Company.

Sony Classical Releases Original Soundtrack for Woody Allen's CAFE SOCIETY
by TV News Desk - Jul 9, 2016


Sony Classical just released the original soundtrack for Woody Allen's CAFE SOCIETY both digitally and on CD on July 8, 2016.

Douglas Hodge & Kelli Barrett to Star in MY FAIR LADY at Bay Street Theater; Michael Arden Will Direct!
by Tyler Peterson - May 19, 2016


Bay Street Theater has announced some of the principal cast of MY FAIR LADY, Book and Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, Music by Frederick Loewe, Based on Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw & Gabriel Pascal's motion picture, and Directed by Michael Arden, Tony Award nominee and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for Best Director of a Musical for the Broadway revival of

FLASH FRIDAY: Memorable Tony Award Acceptance Speeches from Dorothy Loudon, Lily Tomlin and Natalia Makarova
by Michael Dale - May 6, 2016


Just about every Tony Award telecast contains an acceptance speech that gets a little nutty.

Lisa Howard, Beth Leavel and More Set for AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS Tribute to Cole Porter Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Mar 4, 2016


AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS, featuring Fred Barton & His Orchestra in 'An Evening with Cole Porter', stars a cast of today's best Broadway performers. The concerts take place at Pace University's Schimmel Center in New York tonight, March 4 at 7:30 PM and then Kingsborough Community College's 'On Stage at Kingsborough' in Brooklyn tomorrow, March 5 at 8:00 PM.

Debbie Allen, Matthew Bourne, Wayne Cilento Support Petition To Create IMDB Choreography Category
by Michael Dale - Feb 22, 2016


IMDB currently lists choreographers in the 'other crew' category.

Lisa Howard and John Bolton Join AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS Tribute to Cole Porter
by BWW News Desk - Feb 16, 2016


Broadway stars Lisa Howard (It Shoulda Been You) and John Bolton (A Christmas Story: The Musical) are joining the cast of AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS featuring Fred Barton & His Orchestra in 'An Evening with Cole Porter' next month.

Beth Leavel & More to Join American Showstoppers in Honoring Cole Porter
by Tyler Peterson - Jan 15, 2016


AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS - featuring Fred Barton & His Orchestra and starring a cast of today's best Broadway performers - will present "An Evening with Cole Porter" at Pace University's Schimmel Center in New York on Friday, March 4 at 7:30 PM and then Kingsborough Community College's Goldstein Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, March 5 at 8:00 PM.  The cast of outstanding Broadway performers includes Beth Leavel (Tony Award winner for The Drowsy Chaperone), Sean McGibbon, Paula Leggett Chase, Damon Kirsche, Karen Murphy and Jesse Luttrell in addition to the Scott Thompson Dancers. The show is produced, orchestrated, conducted and hosted by Fred Barton with direction and choreography by Scott Thompson.

Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents A BALANCHINE CELEBRATION This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - Nov 7, 2015


Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) is proud to present A Balanchine Celebrationas the Company's opening performance at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts for its 2015-2016 season. Each piece will be accompanied by a full orchestra featuring members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, under the direction of guest conductor, Leif Bjaland. Performances will take place tonight, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 8 at 2 p.m. with tickets starting at $29. Tickets can be ordered by calling The Smith Center Box Office at (702) 749-2000 or by visiting www.nevadaballet.org.

Nevada Ballet Theatre Presents A BALANCHINE CELEBRATION, 11/7
by Christina Mancuso - Oct 20, 2015


Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT) is proud to present A Balanchine Celebrationas the Company's opening performance at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts for its 2015-2016 season. Each piece will be accompanied by a full orchestra featuring members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, under the direction of guest conductor, Leif Bjaland. Performances will take place on Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 8 at 2 p.m. with tickets starting at $29. Tickets can be ordered by calling The Smith Center Box Office at (702) 749-2000 or by visiting www.nevadaballet.org.

Damon Kirsche, Lee Roy Reams, Vivian Reed and More Slated for 'AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS' at Schimmel Center Tonight
by BWW News Desk - Oct 9, 2015


Tonight, October 9, noted orchestrator and conductor Fred Barton will bring the music of Broadway and the American Songbook to the Schimmel Center at Pace University, in American Showstoppers: An Evening of Johnny Mercer. In his seventh concert at Pace, Fred Barton now brings the power of Mercer's music and lyrics front and center, with a 14-piece orchestra and a cast of 16 Broadway singers and dancers, with direction and choreography by Scott Thompson. The cast is headlined by Damon Kirsch, Tony nominee Lee Roy Reams, two time Tony nominee Vivian Reed, Nick Spangler, Tony Nominee Lauren Worsham, and Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba. The cast also features Jesse Luttrell, Sean McGibbon and Molly Pope.

BWW Review: NEW YORK CITY BALLET Serves up a Five-Course Feast of Ballets to the Music of American Composers
by Sondra Forsyth - Oct 6, 2015


There may be no better way to chase the gloom of an unseasonably chilly and wind-whipped evening in NYC than to watch New York City Ballet's delightfully varied quintuple-bill entitled "Americana X Five". On October 2nd 2015, with Hurricane Joaquin's approach bringing on a gusty downpour, I was among the lucky dancegoers at the Koch Theater in Lincoln Center who enjoyed one of the best programs the company has offered in a long time. If you'll be in town through October 7th, don't miss the chance to see the works of four very different choreographers set to the equally wide-ranging works of a talented handful of American composers.

Damon Kirsche, Lee Roy Reams, Vivian Reed and More Slated for 'AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS' at Schimmel Center This Fall
by BWW News Desk - Sep 14, 2015


On Friday, October 9, noted orchestrator and conductor Fred Barton will bring the music of Broadway and the American Songbook to the Schimmel Center at Pace University, in American Showstoppers: An Evening of Johnny Mercer. In his seventh concert at Pace, Fred Barton now brings the power of Mercer's music and lyrics front and center, with a 14-piece orchestra and a cast of 16 Broadway singers and dancers, with direction and choreography by Scott Thompson. The cast is headlined by Damon Kirsch, Tony nominee Lee Roy Reams, two time Tony nominee Vivian Reed, Nick Spangler, Tony Nominee Lauren Worsham, and Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba. The cast also features Jesse Luttrell, Sean McGibbon and Molly Pope.

On Your Toes FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What productions of On Your Toes have there been?
On Your Toes has had 13 productions including Broadway which opened in 1936, Broadway which opened in 1936, West End which opened in 1937, London which opened in 1938, Milburn, NJ (Regional) which opened in 1953, Broadway which opened in 1954, Broadway which opened in 1954, Broadway which opened in 1983, Broadway which opened in 1983, West End which opened in 1984, US Tour which opened in 1986, London Fringe which opened in 2003 and Los Angeles which opened in 2007.

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