MILLBURN, NJ \u2013 February 18, 2025 \u2013 Paper Mill Playhouse\u202f(Mark S. Hoebee, Producing Artistic Director;
\nMichael Stotts, Executive Director), recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award, is pleased to announce \u201cTake a Ticket,\u201d a new initiative introduced for the upcoming world premiere of Take the Lead.<\/p>\n
Up to 1,000 tickets will be offered free of charge directly to ten local high schools and their students within New Jersey\u2019s Essex County, home to Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ), during the musical\u2019s preview period (March 29th and April 2nd-6th at 7:30pm).<\/p>\n
The initiative, a first for Paper Mill, aligns with Take the Lead\u2019s inspiring story about the real-life work of Pierre Dulaine, a former professional ballroom dancer who brought dance into New York City public schools as a way to teach confidence, dignity, and creativity through the arts. The organization Dulaine founded in 1994, Dancing Classrooms, is still thriving and has served more than 700,000 K-12 students in NYC and around the world for over 30 years.<\/p>\n
Set in the pulsating heart of New York City,\u202fTake the Lead\u202fis a joyful new musical based on the 2006 dance film that starred Antonio Banderas. This electrifying tale is the true story of Pierre Dulaine, a former professional dancer who, against all odds, brought the art of ballroom dance into New York City public schools. This world-premiere musical spotlights a dynamic fusion of ballroom and hip-hop in its music and choreography with a book by\u202fRobert Cary\u202fand\u202fJonathan Tolins\u202f(\u201cSchmigadoon!\u201d) and a score by\u202fElliah Heifetz\u202fand\u202fZeniba Now.\u202fTake the Lead\u202fis co-choreographed by\u202fJennifer Weber\u202f(& Juliet) and\u202fMaria Torres\u202f(So You Think You Can Dance)\u202fand directed and choreographed by\u202fChristopher Gattelli\u202f(Newsies, Death Becomes Her).<\/p>\n
Take the Lead begins performances Saturday, March 29 ahead of a Sunday, April 6 opening night at Paper Mill Playhouse. The run continues through Sunday, April 27. Rehearsals began this week and a just-released photo of the company can be downloaded HERE.<\/p>\n
Mark S. Hoebee (Producing Artistic Director of Paper Mill Playhouse) said, \u201cAccess to the arts and arts education is invaluable, especially for young people. Paper Mill strives to entertain, inspire, and enrich lives through theater and welcoming local students to Take the Lead will do exactly that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mike Stotts (Executive Director of Paper Mill Playhouse) said, \u201cWhile Paper Mill has always valued accessibility, we are thrilled to speak directly to high schools in our area and invite them in. We know they are going to love Take the Lead.\u201d<\/p>\n
The initiative, a first for Paper Mill, aligns with Take the Lead\u2019s inspiring story about the real-life work of Pierre Dulaine, a former professional ballroom dancer who brought dance into New York City public schools as a way to teach confidence, dignity, and creativity through the arts. The organization Dulaine founded in 1994, Dancing Classrooms, is still thriving and has served more than 700,000 K-12 students in NYC and around the world for over 30 years.<\/p>\n
Set in the pulsating heart of New York City,\u202fT ake the Lead\u202f is a joyful new musical based on the 2006 dance film that starred Antonio Banderas. This electrifying tale is the true story of Pierre Dulaine, a former professional dancer who, against all odds, brought the art of ballroom dance into New York City public schools. This world-premiere musical spotlights a dynamic fusion of ballroom and hip-hop in its music and choreography with a book by\u202f Robert Cary\u202fand\u202fJonathan Tolins\u202f(\u201cSchmigadoon!\u201d) and a score by\u202fElliah Heifetz\u202fand\u202fZeniba Now.\u202fTake the Lead\u202fis co-choreographed by\u202fJennifer Weber\u202f(& Juliet) and\u202fMaria Torres\u202f(So You Think You Can Dance)\u202fand directed and choreographed by\u202fChristopher Gattelli\u202f(Newsies, Death Becomes Her).<\/p>\n