GARY JOHN La ROSA has worked in the theatre professionally for over twenty-five years. As a mostly musical performer, his career has been varied and brought him to 4 continents. An actor/singer/dancer (member AEA, SAG, and AFTRA), La Rosa considers extended stints in Hollywood, Las Vegas, South Africa and New York to be highlights, culminating with Broadway and National tour appearances. Though dabbling in directing and choreography as far back as he can remember, it wasn’t his focus initially. Eventually though, he began to find more reward and creativity behind the scenes. As the desire to direct and choreograph grew, he decided to give up performing altogether.

 

As a director and/or choreographer (SSDC), his work has been seen in all kinds of venues. From off-Broadway to regional theatre to industrials, dinner theatre and summer stock, he loves the variety and challenge each has to offer. As such, he has received a Robby Award and five Ostrander Award nominations, two Loewe fellowships, a Phoenix Award and the Connecticut Critic’s Circle Award. He spent six seasons as resident director/choreographer for Montclair Musical Theatre in Upper Montclair, NJ where he staged inventive revivals of classic musicals (three Perry and two A.C.T. Award nominations). He is currently working on some exciting original projects but continues to freelance both nationally and internationally. Additionally, when time permits, he enjoys teaching theatrical workshops and seminars for schools and universities.

 

La Rosa has also staged numerous productions of Fiddler on the Roof (three Ostrander Award nominations for Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Choreography, and Outstanding Production of a Musical), recreating the original (Jerome Robbins) direction and choreography. He considers himself part of the Fiddler… family having been involved with the 25th and 30th anniversary productions on Broadway and tour and is happy to carry on the "Tradition."

A graduate of UCLA, (where he was the recipient of the Clifton Webb award) and an active member of SSDC and its SDC Foundation, he resides in New York City with his partner, Philip, and rescued dog, Gizmo.

 

 

“…and director Gary John La Rosa maintained a consistent interpretative style and excellent sense of pace throughout the 2 1/2-hour musical.”

Footloose – Sherman Spencer – The Record