Lecture on Bob Fosse

Introduction

• Initial impression of Fosse as a promising dancer, likened to Kelly and Astaire.
• Fosse eventually becomes a renowned choreographer with a distinctive style.

Fosse’s Choreographic Style

• Began with musicals like The Pajama Game.
• Signature moves include:
  • Use of hats (due to early hair loss).
  • Exaggerated round shoulders.
  • Pigeon-toed stance (inward feet).

Major Works and Influence

• Chicago:
  • A musical about corruption and murder, satirizing American society’s obsession with celebrity.
  • Collaborative work with Kanda and Ebb.
• Steam Heat from The Pajama Game was the first to showcase Fosse’s unique style on Broadway.
• Damn Yankees: Combined his love of dance and baseball.
• Cabaret: Cut between political turmoil and escapist fantasy, commenting on society through show business.

##Musicals he was in or worked on:

1. The Pajama Game (1954) - Choreographed
2. Kiss Me, Kate (1953) - Choreographed a portion of the film
3. Damn Yankees (1955) - Choreographed and directed the stage version
4. Redhead (1959) - Choreographed and directed, married Gwen Verdon during the run of this show
5. Little Me (1962) - Directed, choreographed, and appeared in
6. Pippin (1972) - Directed and choreographed
7. Chicago (1975) - Directed and choreographed
8. Big Deal (1986) - Directed and choreographed

SAME FOR MOVIES:

1. Kiss Me, Kate (1953) - Choreographed a portion of the film
2. Cabaret (1972) - Directed
3. Lenny (1974) - Directed
4. Pippin (1972) - A film adaptation of the stage musical, not the original film, but he directed the film adaptation
5. Chicago (2002) - Not directed by Fosse, but he directed the original stage musical
6. Damn Yankees (1958) - He directed the stage play, and the film was adapted from it.

Personal Background

• Early life influenced by a large family and initial interest in dancing due to a crush.
• Learned by watching vaudeville and Astaire films, adopting some influences into his own style.

Career Challenges and Triumphs

• Struggled with self-doubt and often felt overshadowed by others.
• Transitioned to directing while maintaining choreographic influence.
• Created TV commercials to boost Broadway show attendance.
• Emphasized strong emotional and physical performances in his works.

Personal Life and Relationships

• Multiple marriages, including with Joan McCracken and Gwen Verdon.
• Had a daughter, Nicole, in 1963.

Later Years and Legacy

• Continued to explore new ideas and refine his style until his death.
• Legacy seen in modern productions and various entertainment forms.
• Sought continual improvement and was never fully satisfied with his work.
• Left behind a vast influence on both Broadway and film industries.

Fosse’s Philosophy

• Believed in the importance of excessive dedication and self-competition.
• Saw show business as both a blessing and a source of hardship.
• Pursued innovation in choreography and film direction until his passing.

Final Thoughts

• Remembered as a persistent artist, always seeking to leave a mark in the sands of time.