Joel Grey, the Tony- and Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in Cabaret, George M!, and Wicked, will host the 25th annual Fire Island Dance Festival July 19–21 in Fire Island Pines, New York. Sunset performances are presented against the backdrop of the Great South Bay.
Newly announced performances include Dorrance Dance’s world premiere tap piece featuring Tony nominated An American in Paris star Robert Fairchild; Tamisha Guy and American Ballet Theatre’s Calvin Royal III performing a piece from Kyle Abraham; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presenting “Sinner Man”; Martha Nichols (The Greatest Showman, La La Land) presenting a solo piece performed by Ballet BC’s Jordan Lang; and MOMIX performing “Dance Pole.”
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They join a previously announced lineup, including An American in Paris national tour star Garen Scribner performing a world premiere by Tony winner Christopher Wheeldon; Emmy nominee Al Blackstone (Wicked, So You Think Dance); the Paul Taylor Dance Company; Pacific Northwest Ballet’s principal dancer Lucien Postlewaite and corps de ballet member Christopher D’Ariano, who will offer a piece by Garrett Smith; and a world premiere from American Ballet Theatre principal dancer James Whiteside, performed by ABT dancers Aran Bell and Catherine Hurlin.
The annual fundraiser benefits Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Last year’s event raised $604,103. In recognition of the festival’s 25th anniversary, BC/EFA has added the Pines Care Center to its National Grants Program, allocating $7,500 annually to support a rapid HIV testing initiative throughout the Pines’ season.
Performances take place July 19 at 5 PM, July 20 at 7 PM, and July 21 at 5 PM. Day trip packages from New York City are also available. Visit DRADance.org for tickets and packages.