MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Fosse

Fosse is a three-act musical revue showcasing the choreography of Bob Fosse. The musical was conceived by Richard Maltby Jr., Chet Walker, and Ann Reinking.

The first idea for Fosse was conceived by Chet Walker, who was in many of Bob Fosse's shows and served as dance captain. Walker began workshops in New York City, where he hired numerous dancers to begin the process of putting the numerous pieces of choreography on its feet. Livent, a Canadian-based theatrical production company, was the producer of workshops and also the pre-Broadway tour. Fosse started its tour in Toronto. A two-month rehearsal period was held at The National Ballet of Canada studios and a month of performances were at the North York Performing Arts Theatre, now known as the Toronto Centre for the Arts, in July 1998. Fosse then ran in Boston at the Colonial Theatre, in September 1998. The final leg of the tour before Broadway was at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, California, in October and December 1998. In Los Angeles, the show went through many changes. Producers wanted the three-hours and 10 minute show to be cut down to a shorter two-hours and 30 minute show. The producers felt it was too long for a Broadway dance review.