Thommie Walsh
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Thommie Walsh (born Thomas J. Walsh on March 15, 1950) is an American dancer, choreographer, and director, known primarily for his award-winning work on Broadway, and an author.
Interested in dance from the age of five, Walsh made his Broadway debut in the chorus of Seesaw in 1973, the same year in which he played a small role in the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar and appeared in the infamous Broadway flop, Rachael Lily Rosenbloom (And Don't You Ever Forget It). Two years later, he was invited by Michael Bennett to participate in a series of frank conversations among Broadway dancers, known as "gypsies," about their experiences, hopes, and dreams. The result was A Chorus Line, in which he originated the role of Bobby. He co-wrote a book about the musical's origins and evolution, entitled On the Line, which was published by William Morrow in 1990.
Walsh soon abandoned his dancing career to concentrate on choreography, musical staging, and direction. His credits include The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1978), A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine (1980), starring fellow Chorus cast member Priscilla Lopez, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? (1982), Nine (1982), My One and Only (1983), Marilyn: An American Fable (1983), and My Favorite Year (1992). He currently is preparing a musical adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities for a Broadway opening.
[edit] Awards and nominations
- 1983 Tony Award for Best Choreography (My One And Only, winner)
- 1983 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical (My One And Only, nominee)
- 1983 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography (My One And Only, winner)
- 1982 Tony Award for Best Choreography (Nine, nominee)
- 1980 Tony Award for Best Choreography (A Day in Hollywood / A Night in the Ukraine, winner)
- 1976 Theatre World Award for Ensemble Performance (A Chorus Line, winner)
