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Christopher Gattelli
Christopher Gattelli
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Christopher Gattelli in 2018

Christopher Gattelli is an American choreographer, performer and theatre director.

Early life and career

[edit]

Gattelli grew up in Bristol, Pennsylvania. He started dancing at the age of 8 and is a "Star Search" grand champion.[1] As a performer, he appeared in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (revival), Fosse, and Pouncival in Cats.

Choreographer/Director

[edit]
Broadway Credits[2]
Year Title Director Choreographer
2003 Chess (Benefit Concert) No Yes
2004 Hair (Benefit Concert) Yes Yes
2006 Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me No Yes
High Fidelity No Yes
2007 The Ritz No Yes
2008 Sunday in the Park With George No Musical Staging
South Pacific No Musical Staging
13 No Yes
2009 Chance & Chemistry (Benefit) Yes Yes
2010 Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown No Yes
2011 Godspell No Yes
2012 Newsies No Yes
2014 Casa Valentina No Dance Consultant
2015 The King and I No Yes
Amazing Grace No Yes
2017 War Paint No Yes
2017 SpongeBob Squarepants No Yes
2018 My Fair Lady No Yes
The Cher Show No Yes
2024 Mother Play No Yes
Death Becomes Her Yes Yes
2026 Schmigadoon! Yes Yes

Christopher Gattelli is best known for his work on the 2012 Broadway musical Newsies.

Gattelli has choreographed several special benefit concerts, including Chess (2003), Hair (also co-director, Actor's Fund, 2004),[3] and Chance and Chemistry: A Centennial Celebration of Frank Loesser (also directed, Actors Fund, October 2009).[4]

His Off-Broadway choreographic work includes Adrift in Macao (2007, also Philadelphia, PA 2005), How to Save the World and Find True Love in 90 Minutes (also director, 2006), I Love You Because (2006), Altar Boyz (2005), tick, tick...BOOM!, Dogfight, and Bat Boy: The Musical (2001).[5] In regional theatre he is the choreographer for The Baker's Wife (Paper Mill Playhouse, Millburn, New Jersey, 2005), Tom Jones (2004), tick, tick...BOOM! (2004, also London Fringe, 2005), Me and My Girl, and O. Henry's Lovers (Goodspeed Opera House, 2003). He directed Jim Henson's Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas at The Goodspeed Opera House, Connecticut in 2008, and choreographed Julie Andrews' The Great American Mousical there in 2012.[6][7] His production of The Jungle Book played the Goodman Theatre and Huntington Theatre Company in 2013. He was the director of the musical spoof SILENCE! The Musical, which ran in 2005 at NYCFringe.[8] Other West End and London credits include South Pacific and Sunday in the Park with George.[9] He is in charge of musical staging for Little Miss Sunshine.[10]

He collaborated with Stephen Flaherty on the world premiere of In Your Arms, which he directed and choreographed for the New York Stage and Film's Powerhouse Theater at Vassar in 2014. He directed and choreographed In Your Arms for a production at the Old Globe Theatre in September 2015.[9]

Gattelli directed and choreographed the Spring 2014 lab of RKO's Top Hat in New York.[11] This was a new version of the 2011 stage version that ran in London and the UK, and was being worked on by Gatelli and Chad Beguelin. The production "is still several seasons off", according to Gatelli in January 2017.[12]

His choreography can also be seen in the Coen brothers feature Hail, Caesar![9]

He was the resident choreographer for The Rosie O'Donnell Show.[13]

Gattelli choreographed the American musical comedy television series Schmigadoon! for Apple TV+ in 2020 and 2023.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

He is openly gay.[15]

Awards

[edit]
Year Award Category Title Result
2001 Lucille Lortel Award Best Choreography Bat Boy: The Musical Won
2005 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Choreography Altar Boyz Won
Lucille Lortel Award Best Choreography Won
2008 Tony Awards Best Choreography South Pacific Nominated
2012 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Choreography Newsies Won
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Choreography Won
Tony Awards Best Choreography Won
2015 The King and I Nominated
2018 My Fair Lady Nominated
SpongeBob SquarePants Nominated
Drama Desk Award Outstanding Choreography Nominated
2025 Drama League Awards[16] Outstanding Direction of a Musical Death Becomes Her Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Awards[17] Outstanding Direction of a Musical Nominated
Outstanding Choreography Nominated
Tony Awards Best Direction of a Musical Nominated
Best Choreography Nominated

References

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from Grokipedia
Christopher Gattelli is an American choreographer, director, and former performer best known for his innovative in Broadway musicals, including the Tony Award-winning work on (2012). Gattelli began his dance training at age eight, studying tap, ballet, and modern dance before attending The Ailey School. At seventeen, while still a student, he secured his first professional role in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, followed by performances on Broadway and national tours, notably as Mistoffelees in Cats (1982–2000) and in Fosse (1999–2001). He also danced with ballet companies, and won the grand championship on . Transitioning to choreography in the early , Gattelli has contributed to over twenty Broadway productions, earning acclaim for blending classical dance techniques with contemporary musical theater styles. His notable Broadway includes The King and I (2015 revival), (2017), (2018 revival), and The Cher Show (2018), for which he received multiple Tony nominations. More recently, he directed and choreographed (2024), earning a Tony nomination, and served as creative consultant for the 2025 revival of . , his work features in shows like (2012) and (2005), while West End credits include The King and I (2018) and Sunday in the Park with George (2005). In film, he has choreographed Hail, Caesar! (2016), (2019), and Wonka (2023). Gattelli's achievements include a (Newsies, 2012), a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography (Newsies, 2012), an Outer Critics Circle Award (Newsies, 2012), and three . He is married to actor Stephen Bienskie and teaches at Steps on Broadway, mentoring emerging dancers.

Early life

Upbringing in Pennsylvania

Christopher Gattelli was born in 1973 in . He grew up in a working-class family with no prior connections to the theater world; his father, Gene Gattelli, and mother, Dee Gattelli Marrone, provided strong support for his emerging interests despite the family's modest background. Gattelli has a younger sister, Kristen, who played a key role in introducing him to by attending classes herself, though the family's primary focus was on everyday suburban life rather than artistic pursuits. Bristol, a small industrial town along the , shaped Gattelli's childhood environment, offering a close-knit community amid the blue-collar neighborhoods of suburban . He attended High School, graduating in 1991, where he experienced typical school life but faced occasional teasing from peers for his budding creative inclinations. Before formal training, Gattelli's initial exposure to came through non-professional outlets like watching videos on television and participating in local community activities, fostering an early fascination that contrasted with his sister's more outdoor-oriented play. This period laid the groundwork for his passion, leading him to begin dance lessons at age 8.

Dance training and early recognition

Gattelli began his dance training at the age of eight in , when his parents enrolled him at the Knecht Dance Academy in nearby . There, he initially focused on foundational styles including tap, , and , developing a versatile foundation that emphasized technical precision and performance skills. A pivotal early milestone came during his early teenage years when Gattelli, at age 15, competed on the television talent show as part of a five-person dance group and won the grand championship. This victory provided national exposure and significantly boosted his confidence, solidifying his ambition to pursue a professional career in and theater. During high school at Bristol High School, where he graduated in 1991, Gattelli remained deeply involved in theater and dance programs, performing specialty solos in student productions such as South Pacific. His parents facilitated a customized schedule allowing him to split his time between classes at Bristol High and intensive dance training in New York, including at the Alvin Ailey school. That same year, in 1989, he secured a scholarship to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater school in New York, marking his transition to advanced professional-level instruction.

Performing career

Broadway performances

Christopher Gattelli made his Broadway debut as an ensemble member in the 1995 revival of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, portraying the role of under the direction of . The production, which ran for 548 performances at the , provided Gattelli with early exposure to a high-profile musical featuring intricate ensemble dance sequences choreographed by . Gattelli subsequently joined the original Broadway production of Cats as a replacement in the role of Pouncival, while also understudying the Magical , contributing to the show's renowned dance-heavy ensemble during its extended run through the 1990s and into 2000. The musical, known for its demanding choreography by , allowed Gattelli to perform in a production that ultimately amassed over 7,485 performances, highlighting his versatility in acrobatic and character-driven dance roles. In 1999, Gattelli appeared as an ensemble performer in the revue Fosse, a dance-centric tribute to the works of that ran for 1,558 performances and earned multiple for its . His involvement in these shows underscored his strengths in ensemble work and precision dancing before transitioning to creative roles behind the scenes.

Transition to choreography

Gattelli's transition from performer to choreographer was profoundly shaped by the mentors he encountered during his performing career. He drew inspiration from choreographer Chris Chadman, a longtime associate of , whose emphasis on storytelling through precise, character-driven movement left a lasting impression during the national tour of . Similarly, during his time in the Christmas Spectacular, Gattelli was influenced by Scott Salmon's showmanship and ability to integrate with theatrical energy, elements reminiscent of Fosse's stylized flair that encouraged Gattelli to view as an extension of performance dynamics. His initial forays into emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s through small-scale opportunities that allowed him to experiment while still performing. Gattelli's first credited gig came in 1999 with a dance number for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS' Gypsy of the Year benefit, followed by staging the opening sequence for the 2000 Easter Bonnet Competition featuring Ziegfeld Follies-style dancers, which honed his skills in large-ensemble coordination. By 2001, while performing as Pouncival in the long-running Cats, he balanced his onstage duties with an assistant choreographer role as resident choreographer for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, creating giveaway segments and promotional dances that marked his entry into television movement design and provided practical experience in fast-paced, media-driven projects. The pivotal moment in Gattelli's career shift occurred around 2001 with his full credit for the musical Bat Boy: The Musical, directed by at the Union Square Theatre, where he crafted inventive, quirky numbers that blended humor and horror through athletic, ensemble-driven sequences. This production, his first major musical as lead choreographer, convinced Gattelli to prioritize creating over performing, as he later reflected on the fulfillment of shaping entire shows from behind the scenes. Subsequent hybrid roles, such as choreographing tick, tick... BOOM! while winding down his performing commitments, solidified this transition by the mid-2000s, allowing him to fully embrace as his primary artistic outlet.

Choreographic and directing career

Off-Broadway and regional works

Gattelli's first major choreographic credit came with the production of Bat Boy: The Musical in 2001 at the Union Square Theatre, where he created movement for the quirky horror-comedy about a half-bat, half-boy creature discovered in a cave. Directed by , the show featured Gattelli's enhancing the show's blend of operatic tragedy, grotesquerie, and humor through stylized, ensemble-driven sequences. For his work on Bat Boy, Gattelli won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreographer. In 2005, Gattelli choreographed the Off-Broadway hit Altar Boyz at the 47th Street Theatre, a satirical pop musical about a Christian on a farewell tour, incorporating innovative boy-band-inspired hip-hop and synchronized dance routines that amplified the show's energetic, faith-infused performances. Directed by Stafford Arima, the production ran for 2,032 performances and earned Gattelli the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding as well as the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding . A regional transfer of Altar Boyz to the Repertory Theatre of in 2007, where Gattelli recreated his choreography, won him the Award for Outstanding in 2008. In 2012, Gattelli choreographed the Off-Broadway production of Dogfight at Second Stage Theatre, a musical adaptation of the 1991 film set in 1963 San Francisco, where his captured the era's social dances and military precision to underscore themes of and regret in the ensemble numbers. Directed by Joe Mantello, the show featured dynamic period-appropriate routines that heightened the emotional intensity of the story. Gattelli expanded into regional theater with the world premiere of In Your Arms in 2015 at the in , which he co-conceived, directed, and choreographed, featuring music by and ten original dance vignettes by playwrights including and . The piece explored themes of romantic destiny through a variety of dance styles, from intimate duets to large ensemble numbers, set across different eras and locations to create a unified dance-theater experience. Running from September 16 to October 25, In Your Arms highlighted Gattelli's ability to integrate narrative storytelling with diverse choreographic forms in an intimate regional setting.

Broadway productions

Gattelli's Broadway career as a choreographer began to flourish with the 2008 revival of South Pacific, directed by , where he received credit for musical staging. His work integrated period-appropriate movements with contemporary flair, enhancing the production's dramatic tension through subtle ensemble dances that supported the score's emotional depth without overshadowing the narrative. This staging earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Choreography, marking his first such recognition on Broadway. In 2012, Gattelli achieved a career milestone with Newsies the Musical, an original production based on the 1992 Disney film, where he served as choreographer under director Jeff Calhoun. His transformed the newsboy strike story into a high-energy spectacle, blending tap dancing, acrobatics, and precision ensemble work to evoke the era's youthful rebellion. Iconic sequences, such as dancers sliding and stomping on actual newspapers during "," showcased athleticism and synchronized precision, contributing to the show's infectious momentum and earning Gattelli the 2012 . Gattelli continued his streak of acclaimed work with the 2015 Broadway revival of , directed by , providing choreography that balanced elegance and cultural authenticity. He preserved ' original ballet choreography for the second-act sequence "The Small House of Uncle Thomas," while infusing the ensemble numbers with fluid, Siamese-inspired movements that highlighted themes of cultural clash and romance. This nuanced approach garnered Gattelli another Tony nomination for Best Choreography. He later provided choreography for the show's 2018 West End production at the London Palladium, adapting the movements for the international stage. Expanding his versatility, Gattelli choreographed the 2017 Broadway premiere of , directed by , incorporating a diverse array of dance styles including tap, hip-hop, , and contemporary to match the show's whimsical underwater world. His choreography amplified the production's surreal energy, with inventive group routines that propelled songs like "When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going." This earned him a 2018 Tony nomination for Best Choreography. Similarly, in (2018), directed by Jason Moore, Gattelli crafted choreography spanning Luigi , hip-hop, swing, and , culminating in gravity-defying aerial sequences that mirrored Cher's iconic career evolution and stage persona. Gattelli also provided musical staging for the 2005 West End production of Sunday in the Park with George at the Menier Chocolate Factory (later transferring to the West End), blending abstract movements with the show's impressionistic themes to enhance Stephen Sondheim's score. Marking a pivotal evolution, Gattelli made his Broadway directing debut with Death Becomes Her in 2024, also serving as choreographer in this adaptation of the 1992 film. His dual role unified the production's darkly comedic tone, with choreography featuring exaggerated, larger-than-life movements that satirized vanity and immortality through high-kicking ensembles and illusionistic effects. The show's innovative staging led to 10 Tony nominations in 2025, including for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Choreography for Gattelli, underscoring his seamless integration of movement and narrative. More recently, Gattelli served as creative consultant for the 2025 Broadway revival of Ragtime at Lincoln Center Theater's Vivian Beaumont Theatre, which opened on October 16, 2025, contributing to the production's staging and movement elements in this sweeping musical about early 20th-century America.

Film, television, and other media

Christopher Gattelli extended his choreography into film with the 2023 musical fantasy Wonka, directed by Paul King, where he designed the dance sequences for the prequel to Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. His work included teaching lead actor Timothée Chalamet to tap dance and creating ensemble numbers that paid homage to classic Hollywood musicals while fitting the film's whimsical tone. Earlier, Gattelli contributed choreography to the 2016 Coen Brothers comedy Hail, Caesar!, devising the sailor-themed "No Dames!" dance routine performed by Channing Tatum and an all-male ensemble. In 2019, he choreographed key musical moments for the romantic comedy Isn't It Romantic, starring Rebel Wilson, blending contemporary dance with satirical nods to Broadway-style production numbers; the film earned him a nomination for Outstanding Choreography in a Theatrical Release at the Chita Rivera Awards. On television, Gattelli served as the resident choreographer for during its run, overseeing dance segments that incorporated Broadway flair into daytime variety format. He later choreographed the Apple TV+ series Schmigadoon!, a musical , for both its 2021 first season—directed by and evoking Rodgers and Hammerstein-era golden age musicals—and its 2023 second season, which shifted to edgier, Fosse-inspired styles from the 1960s and 1970s. His contributions to the series, including ensemble numbers that highlighted comedic longing and satire, earned Emmy nominations for Outstanding . In other media, Gattelli directed and choreographed Silence! The Musical, an unauthorized parody of the 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs, which premiered at the 2005 New York International Fringe Festival and later ran . The production featured inventive dance elements, such as tap-dancing lambs, to blend horror tropes with musical theater conventions, winning an Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best Musical in 2012.

Awards and recognition

Tony Awards

Christopher Gattelli earned his first in 2012 for Best Choreography for the musical , directed by Jeff Calhoun and produced by . The 66th Annual Tony Awards ceremony took place on June 10, 2012, at in , hosted by . During his acceptance speech, Gattelli emphasized the vital role of the ensemble dancers, stating, "The boys are the beating heart of this show, and I love them all," while also thanking the creative team, including composer and book writer . This victory marked a career milestone, elevating Gattelli's profile and leading to increased opportunities in choreographing major Broadway revivals and new works, including subsequent Tony-nominated productions. Gattelli's Tony history includes one win and six nominations as of 2025, spanning choreography for both original musicals and classic revivals during highly competitive seasons. His first nomination came in 2008 for Best Choreography on the Lincoln Center Theater revival of South Pacific, a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic that earned 12 Tony nominations overall. In 2015, he was nominated again for Best Choreography for the Lincoln Center Theater production of The King and I, directed by Bartlett Sher, which received nine nominations in a year dominated by revivals like Fun Home and The King and I itself winning multiple awards. The year 2018 proved particularly notable, as Gattelli received dual nominations for Best Choreography—one for the animated adaptation , a family-friendly spectacle with innovative staging, and another for the Lincoln Center Theater revival of , directed by , in a season featuring strong contenders like . This rare double nomination highlighted his versatility across genres, from whimsical pop culture to elegant period pieces. In 2025, Gattelli achieved a personal milestone with his first Tony nominations as a director, alongside choreography credits, for Death Becomes Her, a musical adaptation of the 1992 film starring and , produced by . He was nominated for Best Direction of a Musical and Best at the 78th Annual , held on June 8, 2025, at , though both categories were awarded to other productions: for Best Direction (Maybe Happy Ending) and and for Best (Buena Vista Social Club). These nominations underscored Gattelli's evolution into a multifaceted creative force in musical theater.

Drama Desk and other honors

Christopher Gattelli has received multiple Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Choreography, including for his work on Altar Boyz in 2005, South Pacific in 2008, and SpongeBob SquarePants in 2018. He won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography for Newsies in 2012. Gattelli is a three-time winner of the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Choreographer, recognizing his contributions. His wins include Bat Boy: The Musical in 2001, in 2005, and in 2013. In addition to these honors, Gattelli won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Choreography for in 2012. He received a nomination in the same category for in 2025. For , he was also nominated for the for Outstanding Direction of a Musical in 2025. Gattelli's regional theater achievements include the Award for Outstanding Choreography for the production of in 2008. He also earned the Callaway Award from the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation for his choreography of the in 2005.

Personal life and legacy

Personal background

Christopher Gattelli is openly and has been public about his since the early stages of his professional career in theater.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 14 </grok:render> In interviews, he has discussed incorporating elements of gay culture into his , such as references in shows like , emphasizing their resonance within the LGBTQ+ community.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 12 </grok:render> Gattelli married his partner, actor and singer Stephen Bienskie, in December 2013, shortly after legalized .<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 38 </grok:render> The couple has no publicly known children, and Gattelli maintains a high degree of privacy regarding his family life beyond this union.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 20 </grok:render> For his career, Gattelli is based in , though he and Bienskie have resided in rural , since 2010, seeking a quieter lifestyle away from the city's intensity.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation"> 38 </grok:render> Public details on his hobbies or non-theater interests remain limited, reflecting his for in personal matters.

Influence on musical theater

Christopher Gattelli has significantly influenced musical theater through his stylistic innovations, particularly in blending tap, , and to create dynamic, narrative-driven movement that honors the genre's traditions while pushing boundaries. His choreography often pays homage to golden age pioneers such as , , , and Michael Bennett, integrating their techniques into both revivals—like the athletic, period-infused numbers in South Pacific—and new works, such as the satirical, high-energy sequences in Schmigadoon! that satirize musical theater excesses with affectionate precision. This fusion results in versatile, energetic staging that emphasizes storytelling through diverse vocabularies, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of productions across Broadway and beyond. Gattelli's mentorship extends his reach to emerging talent, as he serves on at Steps on Broadway, where he conducts workshops and shares insights on audition techniques and . He has expressed admiration for how young artists at such studios innovate and advance the field in unique ways, fostering a supportive environment for the next generation. Additionally, his work on has inspired younger choreographers and dancers; Gattelli has noted that the production's filmed versions and enduring popularity aim to motivate aspiring creators in the same manner classic musicals influenced him. As of 2025, Gattelli's legacy underscores his role in revitalizing Broadway post-, exemplified by his direction and choreography of , which premiered in November 2024 and earned 10 Tony nominations, including for his contributions, signaling a robust return to splashy, audience-engaging musicals. During the , he pivoted to projects like Schmigadoon!, but his Broadway comeback with this high-profile hit highlights his impact on injecting diverse, vigorous choreography into the industry's recovery, blending humor, athleticism, and theatrical flair to sustain the genre's vibrancy.

References

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