Originally Produced by DanceNOW [NYC] from 2005-2008

In 2004, when Doug Elkins casually offered up the hard to resist idea to create a few dance skits to The Sound of Music, no one imagined that this DanceNOW-produced project would reach into the hearts and imaginations of so many, bringing together so many artists and audiences, in such a celebratory way. Fräulein Maria was piloted at Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater in 2006, where it ran for three years as the annual Dancemopolitan Holiday show on a shoe-string budget, unrelenting passion and unconditional support. With the assistance of a commission from Bill Bragin at Lincoln Center Out of Doors and co-direction by Barbara Karger and Michael Preston in 2008, the work was theatrically developed to its current form. Fräulein Maria has now become ‘Company Fräulein’ and is touring the country.

A producers dream, Fräulein Maria was originally produced by the DanceNOW team, in collaboration with Amy Cassello. DanceNOW would like to thank Doug for taking a step back in time, bringing childhood memories to the present and daring us all to dream a little more.  We thank the amazing cast throughout the years [original, new and surprise guests] for so enthusiastically embracing this project, Janet Stapleton for getting the word out, and all the staff at Joe’s Pub for all that they did to bring Fräulein to their tiny and magical stage. We graciously thank Ted Chapin, Bert Fink, Nicole Harman and Robin Walton of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, who supported this project and made it possible for us to bring Fräulein Maria to Joe’s Pub at The Public Theater.  We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to celebrate such a timeless and beloved classic.  

For More Information about Fraulein On TOUR: Contact Amy Cassello at dougelkinsdance@gmail.com

Fräulein Maria was made possible with the permission of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
For more information about this incredible institution, please visit www.rnh.com.

Nick Leichter and Monstah Black brought it Home – as in there’s no place like it – in DanceNOW’s most recent full-length modern dance musical, The Whiz.  From the moment Monstah begins his R&B crooning in full-blown afro wig, complete with hair pick, a soulful tone is set and we know we’re getting the goods in this 70s-to-2010 mashup.
Culture Blog

After their inspired debut of You Can't Win Brand New Day Medley at the 2009 Dancemopolitan Modern [Dance] Musical series, DanceNOW invited Nicholas Leichter and Monstah Black to expand their piece into a full-evening work. Using music reconstructed from The Wiz and some added selections, THE WHIZ reimagined New York’s underground communities through song, dance, and Prince-esque extravaganzardry. The WHIZ: Emerald City was expanded for Abrons Art Center as well as Lincoln Center is launching on a seven city tour across the country.