Rob Ashford

Rob Ashford (born November 19, 1959) is an American choreographer.

Biography

Born in Orlando, Florida and raised in Beckley, West Virginia, Ashford studied law at Washington and Lee University. His interest in dance was spurred by his participation in Theatre West Virginia, an outdoor musical-drama group that recreated events from the Civil War during the summer months, and he transferred to Pittsburgh's Point Park University, where he studied ballet, jazz, and modern and character dance.

After graduation, Ashford moved to New York City where he shared an apartment with three people, Kathleen Marshall among them. He made his Broadway debut in the 1987 Lincoln Center revival of "Anything Goes" with Patti LuPone. "Crazy for You", "My Favorite Year", "The Most Happy Fella", "Victor/Victoria" and "Parade" followed in quick succession.

Ashford's first opportunity to choreograph was courtesy of Kathleen Marshall's brother Rob, who was unable to fulfill a commitment to stage "Kiss of the Spider Woman" in Buenos Aires and sent him in his stead. After returning to New York, he and pal Kathleen teamed to co-choreograph the 1999 revival of "Kiss Me, Kate", which lead to his being signed for "Thoroughly Modern Millie", for which he won the Tony and garnered a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Choreography. He also was nominated for both awards for "The Wedding Singer" and the Tony for "Curtains", Kander and Ebb's last musical. Additional credits include "Pardon My English" for "Encores!" at New York City Center and "The Boys from Syracuse".

In London, Ashord has choreographed "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" for the Royal National Theatre and "Guys and Dolls" with Ewan McGregor and Jane Krakowski. He also staged the musical numbers for the Bobby Darin biopic "Beyond the Sea" starring Kevin Spacey.

Ashford's current and future projects include a musical stage adaptation of the Johnny Depp film "Cry-Baby", a US national tour of "Dr. Doolittle" and the London production of Jason Robert Brown's "Parade" at the Donmar Warehouse, which he will also direct.

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