Tony-Winning Choreographer Christopher Gattelli on Broadway Success, Theater Trends, and Inspiration

"It's always great to have cards in your sleeve because these days it's everything. There's so many things you have to do. Any extra is helpful because if you can play an instrument, it only adds to the soup.”Discover insights from Tony winner Christopher Gatelli, known for his work on Newsies and Schmigadoon. This episode explores the evolution of musical theater, the characteristics of today's triple threats, and the power of mentorship in the arts.In this episode:Chris Gatelli shares his journey to winning a Tony and his recent projectsThe changing landscape of musical theater The importance of ensemble work and versatile performers in modern productionsReflections on mentorship and the influence of choreographer Scott SalmanBehind-the-scenes stories from Schmigadoon and NewsiesThe impact of theater education and training todayInsights into directing and choreographing for TV vs. BroadwayThe future of musical theater and emerging talent Tony Winning Christopher Gattelli shares his views on Schmigadoon, the Broadway show and the TV show he staged prior. What are triple threats? What catches his eye in auditions? "It's like the main thing, the main thing when you, when you walk into a room is like, is just be as prepared as you can be because the one, because as I said earlier, like 99% doesn't have anything to do with you. So as long as you can walk out of that room and go, I was present for the combination."What inspires him? GUYS and DOLLS, Jerome Robbins Broadway, the Golden Age of Musicals. Westside Story to Billion Dollar Baby...as a choreographer and director, he looks for people who are "present." Be a "quadruple threat" and that means being kind! Be prepared, show up and be yourself.In this episode, we feature two performers who have valuable questions about the business of show. Emmy is an aspiring actress and dancer who studies in Southern CA and loves musicals! Gabe's base is Nashville and tours all over the US and abroad as a multi-instrumentalist, singer and actor for film & TV. He had questions for Chris Gattelli about "focus."Listen UP! Don't miss a word. You'll get kernels of gold.Shout out to Stephanie Pope Kenny OrtegaCohen BrothersMatt WestJerry MitchellCynthia OnrubiaJeff Amsdenand RIP, Scott Salmon who inspired both host, Michelle Zeitlin in her early Broadway audition days and Chris Gattelli who also had his own touching memories of Mr. Salmon. "I've been there...you get more with kindness." Says Gattelli who is very kind himself,, works to be generous with advice and encourages his performers by being fair. "Can you do this 8 times a week?"Follow him on socials and buy a ticket to see a Broadway show! Follow Michelle Zeitlin on socials, LinkedIn and here are the websites for her companies: ⁠www.passion-power.com⁠⁠www.morezap.com⁠