At right, a scene from RWS Global’s product ‘Chicago: The Musical. Photo credit: Jeremy Daniel.
By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
RWS Global is staging new productions that highlight the work of Broadway legends Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon.
The Verdon Fosse Legacy, the organization dedicated to preserving the work of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, has partnered with RWS Global to create the new live productions, showcasing the legendary duo’s influence on stage and screen.
The collaboration will combine the Legacy’s archive of choreography and performance history with RWS Global’s international production expertise. The goal, the partners said, is to introduce audiences worldwide to Fosse and Verdon’s contributions through large-scale performances and immersive entertainment.
The first production will literally debut on the ocean waves this November on Holland America Line’s cruise ship the Koningsdam.
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Titled Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway, the multimedia tribute will feature live musical numbers inspired by Fosse’s choreography and enhanced by a 270-degree surround screen showing archival audio and video footage.
The performance will highlight the pair’s work across Broadway and film, including Damn Yankees, Sweet Charity, Cabaret and Chicago. The choreography is being reconstructed by The Verdon Fosse Legacy, and will be staged by Dylis Croman and Alyssa Epstein.
“The influence of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon on the world of entertainment is unparalleled,” said Craig Laurie, the chief creative officer at RWS Global. “Their artistic partnership transformed music and dance into a storytelling language that transcends stage and screen.”
Nicole Fosse, founder and artistic director of The Verdon Fosse Legacy and daughter of the Broadway power couple, said the new partnership aims to broaden awareness of their artistry.
“Kicking off this partnership with RWS Global by debuting Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway on Holland America Line is a powerful step in educating international audiences about the artistry of my parents,” she said. “They understand that preserving this legacy is about sharing and educating audiences, which is crucial for the future generations.”
Holland America Line said it sees the show as an opportunity to enhance its entertainment offerings.
“Guests have expressed a strong desire for more Broadway-style productions, and we couldn’t imagine a better way to deliver than by celebrating two legends of the performing arts,” said Joe Chantry, the cruise line’s vice president of entertainment and enrichment.
Bob Fosse is a nine-time Tony Award-winning choreographer and director. He’s is remembered for his distinctive dance style and works such as Pippin, Dancin’ and the Academy Award-winning film Cabaret. The stage musical Chicago also became a Hollywood hit movie. Fosse remains the only director in history to win an Oscar, Tony and Emmy in the same year.
Gwen Verdon, a four-time Tony winner, originated many of Fosse’s best-known roles and was a mentor and custodian of his style throughout her career. Together, their creative partnership shaped modern musical theater and left an enduring influence on performers and choreographers.
The Verdon Fosse Legacy, founded by Nicole Fosse, manages the couple’s intellectual property for stage, television and film projects while also running educational programs to train new generations of performers in the Fosse style.
RWS Global, headquartered in New York with offices worldwide, produces live entertainment for theaters, cruise lines, resorts, sports events and theme parks. Its clients include Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Six Flags, Warner Bros. and the Radio City Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular.
As part of the new partnership, additional live productions are planned to expand access to Fosse and Verdon’s work beyond Broadway and Hollywood.
“The renowned work of Fosse and Verdon has captivated audiences across stage, film and television,” Chantry said. “We’re proud to offer this exclusive Holland America Line experience as part of our commitment to world-class entertainment.”