Ansel Elgort (West Side Story) has joined the cast of Off-Broadway's upcoming Pete Townshend rock ballet Quadrophenia, set to play New York City Center November 14-16. Based on the 1973 album recorded by The Who, the dance production comes to New York following a sold-out run at London's Sadler's Wells Theatre and a U.K. tour earlier this year. For its soundtrack, the performance uses Rachel Fuller's orchestral version of the album, released in 2016.
The 1973 concept album tells the story of Jimmy, a working-class London mod (a member of the 1950s London modernist subculture) as he struggles with dead-end jobs, substance abuse, conflict with his parents, and a search for belonging. Elgort will star as The Godfather, making his professional dance debut, opposite Paris Fitzpatrick as Jimmy, as previously announced. Rob Ashford is directing, and choreography is by the late Paul Roberts. Casting is by Will Burton for Grindrod Burton Casting.
Elgort is primarily a screen actor, with performances in Carrie, Baby Driver, Tokyo Vice, and the 2021 West Side Story. An alum of NYC's LaGuardia High School, Elgort also studied at the School of American Ballet for five years as a child, making Quadrophenia a return to his roots.
“Rock n’ roll is not dead. I think it’s having a rebirth right now, downtown NYC you can hear electric guitars squealing through bar doors as people are hungry for live music. Even better, a rock ballet!," says Elgort in a statement. "My roots are in ballet and theatre and to be able to return to the stage in The Who’s Quadrophenia rock ballet feels like a gift from the rock gods. Well, one of them himself, Pete Townshend already wrote me a note welcoming me on board, and I’m framing it.”
"I’ve always been very impressed with Ansel as an actor and knew about his training at School of American Ballet," says Ashford. "Quadrophenia seemed like a great opportunity to combine those two talents.”
“I’m thrilled to welcome Ansel to Quadrophenia," adds Townsend, a Tony winner for the 1993 stage adaptation of The Who's Tommy. "The spirit of Rock n’ Roll was not just my generation. It’s every generation.”
Fuller's arrangement is recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and features orchestrations by Fuller (who is also the music director) and Martin Batchelar. The production features costumes by Paul Smith, sets by Christopher Oram, lighting by Fabiana Piccioli, sound by David McEwan, and video design by YEASTCULTURE.ORG. Natalie Pryce is the associate costume designer, and Hannah Teare will serve as costume stylist. Nathalie Harrison is creative producer.
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