ELTON
JOHN
(Composer) |
The monumental career of international
singer/songwriter and performer Elton John has spanned more than
three decades. He is one of the top-selling solo artists of all
time with over 200 million records sold worldwide. Elton has won a
wide array of industry awards including Grammys, Tonys and an Oscar
and continues to add innovative work to his personal repertoire of
35 gold and 25 platinum albums.
In December of 2004, Elton received the Kennedy Center Honor for
his lifetime contributions to American culture and excellence
through the performing arts. Elton's most recent CD, PEACHTREE
ROAD, was released on Universal Records to critical acclaim. He
continues to perform his critically acclaimed RED PIANO show
exclusively at Caesars Palace. It has been heralded as "the Most
Exciting Show in Las Vegas 2004" by the Las Vegas Review
Journal and "A Must See" by the Los Angeles
Times.
Tony award-winning AIDA and long-running THE LION KING musicals
have long reigned on Broadway and continue to tour the world. This
May, the stage production of BILLY ELLIOT -The Musical, in which
Elton wrote the music, debuted in London's famed West End theatre
district to rave reviews. According to Variety magazine
editor Peter Bart, "BILLY ELLIOT will clearly rank as one of the
best musicals of its generation" (May 31, 2005).
Most recently, Elton and long time writing partner Bernie Taupin
have completed the score for Warner Brothers Theatre Ventures'
Broadway musical VAMPIRE LESTAT.
His commitment to the fight against AIDS led to the inception of
the Elton John AIDS Foundation (Los Angeles and London) which has
dispersed a combined total of grants surpassing $80 million to date
making the Elton John AIDS Foundation one of the largest public
non-profit organizations in the AIDS arena. In 1998, he was
knighted by the Queen of England who honored him with the title Sir
Elton John, CBE. |
TIM
RICE
(Lyricist) |
TIM RICE (Lyricist) was born in 1944. From
1956-1965 he wanted to be Elvis. Then he met Andrew Lloyd Webber
whose musical ambitions were in theatre rather than rock. They
joined forces as one could knock out a decent tune, the other had a
way with words. They wrote four shows together. The first, THE
LIKES OF US (1965-6), was never performed, but JOSEPH AND THE
AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (1968), JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
(1969-71) and EVITA (1976-78) became, and indeed remain, hugely
successful all around the world, on both stage and screen. Feeling
certain that they could never top this lot, the pair went their
separate ways in the early eighties, whereupon ALW immediately
topped that lot with CATS. TR then wrote BLONDEL (1983), a
mediaeval romp, with Stephen Oliver, which ran for a year in
London, but not for long anywhere else. In 1986 came CHESS, written
with ABBA's Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. CHESS had a healthy
UK run but flopped on Broadway in 1988, the New York Times bloke
simply not getting it. In 1989 Rice translated the famous French
Berger-Plamondon musical STARMANIA into English which merely
resulted in a hit album in France. In the nineties he worked
primarily with the Disney empire, contributing lyrics to the movies
ALADDIN (music Alan Menken) and THE LION KING, (music Elton John
and Hans Zimmer) and to the stage shows BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Alan
Menken), THE LION KING and AIDA (both Sir Elton). In lunch breaks
he wrote the words for Cliff Richard's theatrical extravaganza
HEATHCLIFF (music John Farrar) which toured the UK in 1995-96. He
is currently reworking an operatic musical he has written with Alan
Menken (KING DAVID), and on new treatments, for both stage and
screen, of CHESS, the New York Times bloke having been replaced. He
also has a new idea which may or may not see the light of day. He
has won many awards, mainly for the wrong things, or for simply
turning up. He lives in England, has three children, his own
cricket team and a knighthood. |
LINDA
WOOLVERTON
(Book) |
LINDA WOOLVERTON (Book) Linda Woolverton's writing
credits include the screenplay for the animated feature film Beauty
and the Beast (Golden Glove winner and Academy Award Best Picture
nominee); the screenplay (shared) for Homeward Bound: The
Incredible Journey; screenplay (shared) for the animated feature
film The Lion King, the book for the Broadway musical Beauty and
the Beast (Tony Award nomination for Best Book of a Musical, winner
1998 Olivier Award Best New Musical). Also, she has written two
young-adult novels, STAR-WIND and RUNNING BEFORE THE WIND. She
holds a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from California State
University Long Beach and a Master's degree in Theatre from
California State University Fullerton. Linda is currently involved
in writing and producing film projects for Miramax and Revolution
Studios. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband Lee Flicker and
daughter Keaton. |
ROBERT
FALLS
(Book) |
ROBERT FALLS (Book) Robert Falls directed Long
Day's Journey Into Night (three 2003 Tony Awards, including Best
Revival) as well as the 1999 Tony Award-winning Death of a Salesman
for which he was honored as Best Director. His other Broadway
credits include the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Young Man From
Atlanta, The Speed of Darkness, The Rose Tatoo and The Night of the
Iguana. Mr. Falls received an Obie Award for his direction of Eric
Bogosian's Surburbia at Lincoln Center. His work has also been seen
at Manhattan Theatre Club and the Joseph Papp Public Theater. As
artistic director of Chicago's Goodman Theatre, he has directed
many productions, including Book of the Night, Riverview, and a
major revival of Pal Joey, for which he wrote a new book. His opera
credits include productions for Chicago's Lyric Opera, the
Metropolitan Opera, the Houston Grand Opera and the Grand Theatre
de Geneve. |
DAVID HENRY
HWANG
(Book) |
DAVID HENRY HWANG (Book) David Henry Hwang was
awarded the 1988 Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics and John Gassner
Awards for his Broadway debut, M. BUTTERFLY, which was also a
finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. For his play Golden Child, he
received a 1998 Tony nomination and a 1997 Obie Award. His new book
for the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical Flower Drum Song earned
him his third Tony nomination in 2003. Hwang's other plays include
FOB (1981 Obie Award), The Dance and the Railroad, Family
Devotions, The Sound of a Voice and Bondage. His opera libretti
include three works for composer Philip Glass, 1000 Airplanes on
the Roof, The Voyage and The Sound of a Voice, as well at The
Silver River with music by Bright Sheng and Ainadama with Osvaldo
Goligov. Hwang penned the feature films M. Butterfly, Golden Gate
and Possession (co-writer) and co-wrote the song 揝olo?with
composer/performer Prince. His new play, Yellow Face, will premiere
next season. Mr. Hwang serves on the Dramatists Guild Council. |
DANIEL
STEWART
(Director) |
DANIEL STEWART (Director) Daniel Stewart's work in
the theatre includes Broadway, Off Broadway, U.S. National Tours
and international productions across Asia, Europe, North and South
America. He directed the 2006-7 U.S National Tour of AIDA. He
directed and choreographed THE WHO'S TOMMY (Japan, European Tour,
South American Tour, U.S National Tour ); THE KING AND I (Canada,
Mexico, Brazil, Atlantic City's Taj Mahal ,U.S. National Tour);
TITANIC.(U.S. National Tour); FOOTLOOSE (Las Vegas Rio, Atlantic
City's Harrahs, U.S National Tour). He created staging for the
original productions of Harold Prince's 3HREE (Ahmanson Theatre in
Los Angeles, Prince Theatre in Philadelphia) NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY
(Off Broadway); THE GIG (Goodspeed Opera); ONLY A KINGDOM (Pasadena
Playhouse) and John Bucchino's URBAN MYTHS. He has been guest
director and choreographer for over 100 productions at many
distinguished American theatres including the Ahmanson Theatre,
Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival, Harold Prince Musical Theatre,
Paper Mill Playhouse, Goodspeed Opera, Tennessee Repertory,
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cain Park, Art Park, Cincinnati
Playhouse in the Park, Festival Playhouse, and The Pasadena
Playhouse. He staged A CELEBRATION OF HOLLYWOOD MUSICALES starring
movie musical stars Cyd Charisse, June Allyson, and Betty Garret;
CALL ME MADAM starring Leslie Uggams and OLIVER starring George S.
Irving. |
T.J.
YOUNG
(General Manager
/ Associate Director) |
T.J. YOUNG (General Manager/Associate Director) is
happy to be on his 10th year with the Big League family. Some of
his credits include: Associate Producer of Ain't Misbehavin
National Tour, General Manager of BLAST! Japan International and US
National Tours, General Manager of BLAST 2 MIX Japan International
Tour, General Manager of AIDA China International Tour, Assoc.
Director of Aida National Tour, Assoc. Director of 42nd Street
Japan International Tour and US National Tour, Assoc. Director of
The Music Man, Dance Captain and Asst. Director of Titanic,
Footloose West Coast Premiere and National Tour, Lun Tha in The
King and I National Tour. For Robert Redford's Sundance Theatre:
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (with Maureen McGovern), Gypsy (with
Karen Mason), Oliver! (with Christopher Lloyd), It Happened One
Night (with Sally Field and Christopher Lloyd), Spellbound (with
Sally Field and Tim Daley), One More Time (directed by Carol
Burnett), Joseph in Joseph...Dreamcoat, and Closer Than Ever. T.J.
is also former President of the Brigham Young University Young
Ambassadors. Special thanks to Dan Stewart, Big League, the Aida
cast, and?my wonderful family!! |
SARITA
ALLEN
(Choreographer) |
SARITA ALLEN (Choreographer) In 2005, Ms. Allen,
representing Complexions Contemporary Ballet, accepted an award for
Artistic Achievement at the Bolshoi. As principal dancer with Alvin
Ailey for 17 years, she performed at La Scala, The Paris Opera, The
Metropolitan Opera, The Pyramids at Giza, The Kennedy Center and
The White House. |
NEIL
PATEL
(Set Designer) |
NEIL PATEL (Set Designer) Broadway: Ring of Fire,
Sideman, 'Night Mother. Off Broadway: [title of show], The
Argument, After Ashley (Vineyard), Some Girl (s) (MCC), Here Lies
Jenny (Zipper), Dinner With Friends (Variety Arts Theater),
Soldier's Play, Living Loud (Second Stage), McReele (Roundabout),
Between Us (MTC), The Long Christmas Ride Home (Vineyard Theater),
The Beard of Avon, Lydie Breeze, Quills, Slavs (New York Theater
Workshop), Lobster Alice, On the Mountain (Playwrights Horizons),
Dirty Tricks, Othello (New York Shakespeare Festival) Going to St.
Ives (Primary Stages). Regional: Williamstown Theater Festival,
Guthrie Theatre, Steppenwolf Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, McCarter
Theater, Mark Taper Forum among many others. Opera: New York City
Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Minnesota Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Florida
Grand Opera, Opera Theater St. Louis, Nikikai Opera Tokyo. 2000
EDDY Award; 1996, 2000, 2003 Drama Desk Nominations; 1996 and 2001
OBIE for sustained excellence. |
EMILIO
SOSA
(Costume Designer) |
EMILIO SOSA (Costume Designer) Broadway: TopDog
Underdog (also London and various regional theatres). Off-Broadway:
The Seven (New York Theatre Workshop); Crowns (Audelco Award '03),
Birdie Blue, Living Out (Second Stage Theater); Caligula (Classical
Theater of Harlem); The Story, Radiant Baby (Public Theater).
Regional: Once On This Island (Center Stage); Cuttin' Up (Arena
Stage); Senor Discretion and Himself (Arena Stage); Ain't
Misbehavin' (Pittsburgh Public Theater); Pippin, Once On This
Island (Bay Street Theater); Adoration of the Old Woman (La Jolla
Playhouse); The Piano Lesson (Madison Repertory Theater). Upcoming
productions include All That I Will Ever Be (New York Theatre
Workshop). Dance: Alvin Ailey; New York City Ballet
(Artist-in-Residence); Ballet Hispanico; Complexions. Mr. Sosa is
Image Consultant for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, featuring
Wynton Marsalis, and was the recipient of the 2006 TDF/Irene
Sharaff Young Master Award. |
CHARLIE
MORRISON
(Lighting Design) |
CHARLIE MORRISON (Lighting Designer). Charlie's
lighting for theatre, national and international tours,
architecture, and events has been seen worldwide on four continents
and in every state in the U.S. National and international tours
include: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang; Aida (U.S. and China); Gypsy;
42nd Street (U.S. and Japan); Miss Saigon ; Smokey Joe's Caf? The
Who's Tommy (Japan and Europe); Titanic; The Music Man; Footloose;
The King and I (U.S., South America, Korea); many others. Regional:
Shakespeare Theatre Company (DC); Papermill Playhouse; Goodspeed;
Olney Theatre Center; Playmaker's Rep; many others. Charlie is the
recipient of the 2006 and 2007 Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding
Lighting Design, and has been nominated for six Helen Hayes awards
over the past three years. For more information, please visit www.cmlighting.com. |
LUCAS J.
CORRUBIA
(Sound Designer) |
LUCAS J. CORRUBIA (Sound Designer) Lucas, better
known on Broadway as 揜ico? has toured the US and internationally
with such acts as Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, Michael Crawford
and Bernadette Peters. Some of his Broadway credits include mixing
The Who's Tommy, Bring in 'da Noise Bring in 'da Funk, and most
recently the revival of 42nd Street. In addition to several film
projects, his most recent sound designs include the International
touring production of Burn the Floor, and Big League Theatrical's
road tours of Footloose and Meredith Willson's The Music Man. |
CHRIS
WALTERS
(Sound Designer) |
CHRIS WALTERS (Sound Designer) Previous Big League
Productions national tour credits include Miss Saigon (Associate
Sound Designer/Head Sound Engineer), Titanic (Sound Designer/Head
Sound Engineer), Footloose (Head Sound Engineer), and Peter Pan
(Head Sound Engineer). Chris has also designed sound for Riverside
Theatre (Vero Beach, FL), Indian River Community College (Fort
Pierce, FL), West Virginia Public Theatre (Morgantown, WV), Central
Piedmont Community College (Charlotte, NC), University of Florida
in Gainesville, FL, and Florida State University in Tallahassee,
FL.
BIG LEAGUE PRODUCTIONS, INC. is celebrating its 19th season of
producing, general managing, and booking Broadway musicals for
touring throughout North America and the world. By special
permission from Disney Productions, Big League recently developed
and toured extensively a brand new production of Elton John and Tim
Rice's AIDA to great critical acclaim (visit www.theaidatour.com)
and is currently touring AIDA in China. Other recent North America
tour highlights were: a new touring production of the world famous
mega-musical, Miss Saigon, developed in collaboration with Cameron
Mackintosh, which toured the US and Canada for four years; the
unique spectacular BLAST; Footloose, Titanic, 1776, Peter Pan, as
well as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Big
League's renowned production of The Who's Tommy has been seen
throughout North America, South America, Europe, and most recently
in Tokyo. Current touring highlights include the 30th Anniversary
National Tour of the Tony Award winning musical Ain't Misbehavin'
starring American Idol alumni Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis
with direction by Tony Award winning Richard Matlby, Jr. Also
touring this season is the new dynamic production of the stage
adaptation of the iconic renowned children's film, Chitty Chitty
Bang Bang. |
DANIEL
SHER
(Executive Producer) |
DANIEL SHER (Executive Producer) After spending
the early part of his career touring in the worlds of opera, music
and dance, Mr. Sher began at Big League in 1995 as the General
Manager for The Who's Tommy, Five Guys Named Moe and A Grand Night
for Singing. In 1997, he took over the position of Executive
Producer and is proud to have produced Big League's critically
acclaimed North American tours of How to Succeed in Business
Without Really Trying, The King and I, A Funny Thing Happened on
the Way to the Forum (starring Rip Taylor), 1776, Footloose (Las
Vegas, Atlantic City, and National Tour), Peter Pan, Titanic and
Meredith Willson's The Music Man as newly conceived by Susan
Stroman. Recently, he executive produced the 4 year tour of Miss
Saigon as developed with Cameron Mackintosh, 42nd Street with the
Tony award winning creative team, as well as Blast! International
highlights have included the European and South American tours of
The Who's Tommy, The King and I in Brazil, 42nd Street in Japan,
and The Who's Tommy in Europe and later Japan. Following the
development of the 2006 US tour of Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida ,
AIDA will tour extensively in China in Fall 2008. Current
productions also include the premiere North American tour of Chitty
Chitty Bang Bang and the 30th Anniversary tour of the Tony Award
Winning musical Ain't Misbehavin' starring American Idol stars
Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis directed by Tony Award winning
director, Richard Maltby, Jr. |