Thommie Walsh

Infobox actor
name = Thommie Walsh


imagesize = 180px
caption =
birthname = Thomas Joseph Walsh III
birthdate = birth date|1950|03|15
birthplace = Auburn, New York, USA
deathdate = death date and age|2007|06|16|1950|03|15
deathplace = Auburn, New York, USA
occupation = Choreographer, dancer
spouse =
yearsactive =
website = http://www.thommiewalsh.com
tonyawards = Best Choreography
1980 "A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine"
1983 "My One and Only"

Thommie Walsh (March 15, 1950 – June 16, 2007) was an American dancer, choreographer, and director.

Biography

Born Thomas Joseph Walsh III in Auburn, New York, he was interested in dance from the age of five, but seriously considered foregoing it as a career when he was rejected by Juilliard. He enrolled in the Boston Conservatory of Music but departed during his junior year to tour with "Disney on Parade". Following that he joined the national tour of "Applause", departing to accept a small role in the film version of "Jesus Christ Superstar".

A Chorus Line

Walsh made his Broadway debut in the chorus of "Seesaw" in 1973, the same year in which he appeared in the disastrous Broadway flop "Rachael Lily Rosenbloom (And Don't You Ever Forget It)", which starred Ellen Greene and Anita Morris.

In 1975 Walsh was invited by choreographer Tony Stevens to participate in a series of frank conversations among Broadway dancers, known as "gypsies," about their experiences, hopes, and dreams. The result was Michael Bennett's "A Chorus Line" (1976), in which he originated the role of Bobby. The role of Bobby was in large part, based on his life and also used material from a comedy stand-up routine he used at the time. He co-wrote a book with Baayork Lee, another "Chorus Line" cast member, about the musical's origins and evolution, entitled "On the Line", which was published by William Morrow in 1990.

Choreography and direction

Walsh soon abandoned his dancing career to concentrate on choreography, musical staging, and direction. His credits include "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (1978) with "Chorus" cast member Pam Blair, "A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine" (1980), with "Chorus" cast member Priscilla Lopez, "Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" (1982), "Nine" (1982), "My One and Only" (1983) with "Chorus" cast member Ron Dennis, "" (1983), and "My Favorite Year" (1992).

He also directed Donna McKechnie's one-woman show "Inside the Music" (2002).

At the time of his death, he was preparing a musical adaptation of "A Tale of Two Cities" for a Broadway opening. Much of his best work was done in collaboration with Tommy Tune including "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas".

Thommie Walsh died on June 16 2007 at his home from lymphoma, aged 57.

Awards and nominations

;Awards
* 1983 Tony Award for Best Choreography – "My One And Only"
* 1983 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography – "My One And Only"
* 1980 Tony Award for Best Choreography – "A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine"
* 1976 Theatre World Award for Ensemble Performance – "A Chorus Line";Nominations
* 1982 Tony Award for Best Choreography – "Nine"
* 1983 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical – "My One And Only"

Bibliography

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References

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External links

* [http://www.thommiewalsh.com/ Thommie Walsh official website]
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