2003 Astaire Award Nominations Announced

The nominees for 2003 TDF/Astaire Awards, presented annually for the “Best Dance on Broadway,” have been announced in three categories: Best Choreographer, Best Male Dancer, and Best Female Dancer.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by Tom Wopat on May 15 at the Hudson Theatre (145 West 45th Street) from 5pm to 7pm. Presenting the the awards will be previous winners Graciela Daniele (winner for Ragtime), Susan Stroman (four-time winner for Show Boat, Contact and The Music Man, The Producers, and Oklahoma!), and Scott Wise (winner for Damn Yankees). Eugene Fleming, currently appearing on Broadway in The Look of Love, will perform at the ceremony.

A special lifetime achievement award will be presented to Chita Rivera, who originated roles in West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, Chicago, The Rink, and Kiss of the Spider Woman (for which she received a 1993 Astaire Award) and is currently starring on Broadway in the revival of Nine.

Here are the nominees:

Best Choreographer
Robert Longbottom, Flower Drum Song
Jerry Mitchell, Hairspray
Twyla Tharp, Movin’ Out

Best Female Dancer
Elizabeth Parkinson, Movin’ Out
Ashley Tuttle, Movin’ Out
Marissa Jaret Winokur, Hairspray

Best Male Dancer
David Burtka, Gypsy
Keith Roberts, Movin’ Out
John Selya, Movin’ Out