Joe Layton
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joe Layton (May 3, 1931 - May 5, 1994) was a Tony Award-winning American director and choreographer known primarily for his work on Broadway.
Born Joseph Lichtman in Brooklyn, New York, Layton began his career as a dancer in Wonderful Town (1953), but from the start his primary interest was in musical staging. In addition to his many legitimate theatre credits, he conceived and directed Broadway concerts for Bette Midler (1975), Diana Ross (1976), and Harry Connick, Jr. (1990).
Layton broke into films as the dance director for Thoroughly Modern Millie in 1967. He executive produced the film version of Annie (1982) and reunited with Midler to choreograph For the Boys (1991).
In 1965, Layton won an Emmy Award for his work on My Name Is Barbra, the television special that introduced the public to the more sophisticated side of Barbra Streisand. It was his first of four collaborations with the star. He also directed and/or produced specials for Paul Lynde, Hal Linden, Richard Pryor, and Olivia Newton-John.
[edit] Additional Broadway credits
- Bring Back Birdie (1981)
- Platinum (1978)
- Two by Two (1970)
- Dear World (1969)
- George M! (1968)
- Sherry! (1967)
- Drat! The Cat! (1965)
- No Strings (1962)
- Sail Away (1961)
- Tenderloin (1960)
- Greenwillow (1960)
- Once Upon a Mattress (1959)
- The Sound of Music (1959)
[edit] Awards and nominations
- 1980 Tony Award for Best Choreography (Barnum, nominee)
- 1980 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (Barnum, nominee)
- 1980 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography (Barnum, nominee)
- 1980 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director of a Musical (Barnum, nominee)
- 1969 Tony Award for Best Choreography (George M!, winner)
- 1962 Tony Award for Best Choreography (No Strings, winner)
- 1962 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (No Strings, nominee)
- 1960 Tony Award for Best Choreography (Greenwillow, nominee)
