Chicago-based director and choreographer Rachel Rockwell died May 28 at age 49 due to ovarian cancer, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Rockwell was set to helm a new musical adaptation of Disney’s 1971 live action-animated hybrid musical Bedknobs and Broomsticks at Chicago Shakespeare next year.
Rockwell had a longstanding relationship with Chicago Shakespeare as well as a number of theatres in and around the Chicago area. Her long list of credits included a new production of Brigadoon at The Goodman Theatre, Shrek The Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Ragtime at the Drury Lane, as well as the world premiere of October Sky and Mamma Mia!, both at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.
Off-Broadway, she directed the new musical Ride the Cyclone, produced by MCC Theater following a U.S. premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
Earlier in her career, Rockwell performed in touring productions of Show Boat and Mamma Mia! and also worked as a Dance Captain.
