|
Tommy
Tune (his real name), actor, Dancer, Singer, Choreographer and Director is the
winner of nine Tony Awards, and the only person in theatrical history to
win in four different categories and to win the same two Tony Awards two
years in a row.
  Tommy Tune danced onto the Broadway scene in the
chorus of Baker Street in 1965 and hasn't stopped since. He worked in
the chorus' of A Joyful Noise in 1967 and How Now Dow Jones?
in 1968. He garnered raves and his first Tony (Best Featured Actor in a
Musical) in Michael Bennett's Seesaw in 1973. Branching out, he directed
his first show, the off-Broadway production of The Club in 1976. The
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, was his next venture followed by A Day
in the Hollywood/ A Night in the Ukraine and his second Tony (Best
Choreography).
Tommy
Tune returned to off-Broadway in 1981 to direct Caryl Churchill's Cloud
9. 1982 brought Nine and his third Tony (Best Direction of a
Musical). He pulled double duty in My One and Only and was
rewarded with his fourth and fifth Tony's (Best Choreography, Best Actor
in a Musical). This was followed by Stepping Out, and then he
received his next two Tonys with Grand Hotel (Best Choreography,
Best Direction of a Musical).
The following year brought the Will Rogers Follies
and his next two Tony Awards, (Best Choreography, Best Musical). Not
satisfied to remain stationary , Tommy Tune returned to the Stage
in his acclaimed one-man song and dance extravaganza, Tommy Tune
Tonight! first on Broadway and then touring nationally and
internationally.
Mr. Tune is the recipient of eight Drama Desk Awards,
two Obie Awards, Dance Magazine's Award for Lifetime Achievement; the
1990 American Dance Award (presented by the National Academy of Dance);
the 1990 Drama League Musical Theatre Award for Direction and
Choreography; the Astaire Award in both 1990 and 1991, George Abbott
Award for Lifetime Achievement, the University of Texas' distinguished
Alumnus Award; and the Jean Cocteau International Style Award. He was
also named to the Top 10 International Best Dressed List of 1992.
Andy Warhol once said that Tommy Tune "exudes
a cultivated serenity and a genuine love of life." And of his
unique talents as a director/choreographer, the New York Times
proclaimed: "Mr. Tune has reshuffled the elements of the old-style
musical into state of the art." The 6'6" tall Texan has been a
fixture on Broadway since leaving Houston, where he began tap,
acrobatics and ballet lessons at the age of 5. He majored in drama at
the University of Texas and the University of Houston. Drama critic John
Simon described him "as long on talent as on legs," a
sentiment echoed around the globe by critics and audiences alike.
Tommy Tune has shied away from Hollywood,
appearing in only two films in his career. He played Ambrose Kemper in
the movie version of Hello Dolly!, directed by Gene Kelly and
starring Barbra Streisand; and, after working as assistant choreographer
for "The Dean Martin Show" on television, he was featured in
Ken Russell's "The Boyfriend" starring Twiggy. The two were
reunited on Broadway in "My One and Only."
Tommy Tune also toured the United States and
Canada in the musical "Bye Bye Birdie," directed by Gene Saks.
Tommy Tune has been invited to sing and dance
for three U.S. presidents, the Queen of England and the Royal Family of
Monaco. In 1991, he was inducted by Gwen Verdon into the Theatre Hall
of Fame in Broadway's Gershwin Theatre.
In 1994 he was honored with his own star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame located, appropriately enough, directly in front
of Capezio's.
Notable songs include -- .
- Strike up the Band
- That Old Feeling
- Music That Makes Me Dance
- Penthouse Serenade (When We're Alone)
- Way You Look Tonight
- Dream a Little Dream of Me
- On a Slow Boat to China
- You Belong to Me
- Somewhere Along the Way
- It Only Happens When I Dance With You
Tommy tune may be available for your next special event.
For booking information, click
HERE!
Genre: Soundtrack
Styles:
.Adult Contemporary.
.Show Tunes.
.Special
Celebrity and Attractions.
Years active:
..90s, ..00s
Born: ..in Texas
..in
Wichita Falls
Feb 28, 1939
Orchestra charts available. |
Buy this
soundtrack CD: "Slow
Dancin'" (1997)