By Abbe Sparks…
Gotta Dance! is more than a showcase—it’s a living archive of Broadway’s choreographic brilliance.
GOTTA DANCE!, The York Theatre Company’s thrilling new production opens Wednesday, December 3rd for a limited run and you will want to quick-step all the way to the theater. Presented in collaboration with American Dance Machine for the 21st Century (ADM21) in association with Riki Kane Larimer, Gotta Dance! is a thrilling new production that pays homage to the artistry and legacy of Broadway’s most iconic choreographers. Co-directed by Nikki Feirt Atkins (Producing Artistic Director of ADM21) and four-time Tony Award Nominee Randy Skinner (42nd Street, White Christmas, Dames at Sea), who also provided additional choreography.
Brandon Burks, Kendall Leshanti and Taylor Stanley
This singular sensation showcases the work of choreographers that have defined generations of Broadway and Hollywood dance, including Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Gene Kelly, Michael Bennett, Susan Stroman, Billy Wilson, and others.
I caught up with co-director and conceiver of American Dance Machine Nikki Feirt Atkins behind the scenes to elaborate on how they were able to so accurately reconstruct the great Broadway dances and preserve this legacy. Here’s what she had to say:
“I contacted the original choreographers or, if they were no longer alive, I contacted the original dancers from who the choreography was staged” said Nikki Feirt Atkins. “Iconic luminaries came in and set and/or staged the choreography such as Donna McKechnie, Baayork Lee and Robert La Fosse (for Jerome Robbins). In some cases they did the coaching. Now Donna, teaches the steps from scratch!”
The accuracy in reconstructing the dances went even further by having the choreographers and or original dancers come in to talk to the Gotta Dance Company to give some history and background to each work.
“I was really careful that the show did not turn into a history lesson, but that it had a certain energy to it, making sure that it was fresh for all ages,” said Nikki.
(l-r: Paloma Garcia-Lee, Jess LeProtto)
In all sincerity, those talks between the original choreographers and/or dancers and the Company paid off in spades. Gotta Dance! is more than a showcase—it’s a living archive of Broadway’s choreographic brilliance in a performance bursting with energy, heart and passion. The production features reconstructions and inspiring works by these legendary choreographers from landmark works including West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Pippin, Singin’ in the Rain, Sweet Charity and Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, just to name a few. All brought to life by a cast of powerhouse dancers and Broadway veterans.
The outstanding ensemble company features Jessica Lee Goldyn, Brandon Burks, Anthony Cannarella, Barton Cowperthwaite, Deanna Doyle, Paloma Garcia-Lee, Afra Hines, Jess LeProtto, Kendall Leshanti, Drew Minard, Georgina Pazcoguin, Samantha Siegel, Taylor Stanley, and Blake Zelesnikar. Each of them, individually and collectively contribute their own panache to this celebration!
Jessica Lee Goldyn
Honestly, every production number outdoes the previous, but my favorites include Jessica Lee Goldyn’s outstanding performance in “The Music and The Mirror” from A Chorus Line; “Cool” from West Side Story as performed by Drew Minard and Company and the Finale, “One” from A Chorus Line.Highly recommended. The limited off-Broadway engagement runs from December 3rd to December 28, 2025, at The Theatre at St. Jean’s, 150 East 76th Street, in New York City. Tickets are $29-$54 and available now through The York Theatre Company’s website. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the magic of Broadway’s choreographic legacy, live and in motion.
