BIOGRAPHY

GARY JOHN LA ROSA has worked successfully as a theatre professional for over twenty-five years. A New York City native and UCLA graduate, his diverse career has brought him to four continents.

Formerly a performer, La Rosa considers extended engagements in Hollywood, Las Vegas, South Africa and on Broadway/National Tours to be highlights. Since then, as an in demand SDC director-choreographer, he has enjoyed working in hundreds of venues including Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional Theatre, Opera, Cabaret, Stock and Industrials. He enjoys the variety and challenges they each present and loves the art of creative collaboration.
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Gary John continues to mentor upcoming Directors for the Drama League both for their DirectorFest, as well as on productions he is helming. An Adjunct Professor at Montclair State University in NJ and a Guest Artist at many universities and colleges, he especially enjoys developing and nurturing young talent. He conducts theatrical workshops and seminars nationally and is also a busy private coach.
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La Rosa frequently stages productions of Fiddler on the Roof, and is sought after to recreate the original Jerome Robbins direction and choreography. He performed in the 25th and 30th anniversary productions on Broadway/National tour and has been involved in well over two dozen productions worldwide. He also conceived and directed the star-studded, sold-out 50th Anniversary Gala celebration of the show on Broadway.
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Over the years, Gary John has received multiple BroadwayWorld, Ostrander, Kennedy Center ACTF, Clifton Webb, Phoenix, Judy, and Connecticut Critic’s Circle Awards, along with two Loewe fellowships. He has received numerous nominations for the BroadwayWorld, Kevin Kline, Robby, Ostrander, Perry, ACT and ariZoni Awards, as well.
“Director Gary John La Rosa has done a tremendous job with this production. The pace is swift, there is a lot of humor and the emotional highs and lows come shining through. I defy anyone to have a dry eye when the show comes to an end.”
Jane Holahan – Lancaster New Era