BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary

Title: Special Episode: Fabian Aloise on ‘Sunset Blvd.’s’ Two Styles of Choreography
Host: Matt Tamini
Guest: Fabian Aloise, Choreographer for Broadway’s Sunset Boulevard
Release Date: December 16, 2024

Introduction: Collaboration and Seamless Choreography

[00:07] Matt Tamini:
Matt Tamini opens the episode by introducing Fabian Aloise, the choreographer behind Broadway’s hit Sunset Boulevard. He highlights Fabian’s longstanding collaboration with director Jamie Lloyd, dating back to their first production of Vida in London. Matt emphasizes the show's magical integration of blocking and choreography, prompting a deep dive into Fabian’s creative process.

Fabian Aloise:
Fabian describes his working relationship with Jamie Lloyd as brotherly and deeply integrated. [01:35] “We call ourselves brothers all the time, and we've been friends for a long time... the whole thing is very organically sewn together.” This close collaboration ensures that blocking and choreography blend seamlessly, creating the show's enchanting visual flow.

Influences and Dual Choreographic Styles

[02:35] Matt Tamini:
Matt acknowledges Fabian’s background as a Fosse dancer and notes the staccato, sharp movements in Sunset Boulevard, questioning how Fabian would describe the choreography.

Fabian Aloise:
Fabian explains that Sunset Boulevard features two distinct choreography styles: “Norma’s vision, or young Norma,” and “Hollywood wannabes.” Drawing from his experiences with dance legends like Ann Reinking and Chita Rivera, Fabian’s Fosse-influenced techniques form the foundation of young Norma’s hypnotic and angular movements. [03:14] “The Fosse stuff never leaves you. It's part of my DNA now.” He describes young Norma’s choreography as “sinewy and contorts itself into these incredibly wonderful, weird, hypnotic shapes,” contrasting with the frenetic energy of the wannabes striving for Hollywood success.

Integrating Nicole Scherzinger’s Dance Legacy

[11:18] Matt Tamini:
Matt shifts focus to the leading lady, Nicole Scherzinger, highlighting her unique dance prowess and its integration into the role of Norma.

Fabian Aloise:
Fabian confirms that Nicole’s extensive dance background significantly influenced the choreography. [11:50] “They became the inspiration to how I was going to collaborate with Nicole.” He meticulously incorporated elements from her past performances, such as her work with the Pussycat Dolls, and adapted them to fit Norma’s character. This collaboration allowed the choreography to evolve organically, making Nicole’s portrayal of Norma both unique and deeply intertwined with her dance history.

Innovative Staging and Technical Challenges

[14:41] Matt Tamini:
Matt praises the show’s innovative staging, particularly the integration of actual hallways for the Act 2 title song, and inquires about the logistical challenges involved.

Fabian Aloise:
Fabian attributes the success of these complex scenes to impeccable collaboration across departments. [16:46] “There is not one department in the entire theater that is not being used at that particular moment in the show.” He explains the meticulous planning required to navigate the small backstage areas and transition seamlessly to the streets of New York. This required synchronizing choreography with videography to ensure safety and aesthetic coherence, especially in dynamic environments like Shubert Alley.

Reflecting on Past Collaborations: Evita

[17:35] Matt Tamini:
Matt brings up Fabian’s previous work on Evita at Regent’s Park Open Air Theater, seeking insights into how that experience influenced his current projects.

Fabian Aloise:
Fabian reminisces about his collaboration with Jamie Lloyd on Evita, describing it as a pivotal moment that solidified their creative synergy. [19:32] He discusses how inspirations from contemporary icons like Beyoncé influenced their reinvention of Evita, blending traditional elements with modern dynamism. This approach mirrors his work on Sunset Boulevard, where he reimagines classic narratives through a contemporary lens to engage new audiences.

Choreographic Highlights and Creative Milestones

[24:21] Matt Tamini:
Matt asks Fabian to pinpoint a specific choreographic moment in Sunset Boulevard that encapsulates his vision.

Fabian Aloise:
Fabian cites several standout moments, particularly the opening solo by Hannah Chamberlain. [24:21] “Watching Hannah do that solo... pulls everyone into this world of... hypnotic youth.” He also highlights the car chase scene as an iconic blend of theater and cinema, where choreography mimics the chaos and excitement of a real chase. [27:05] “When theater and cinema collide... that's what Sunset is.” These moments showcase the show's innovative fusion of movement and narrative, solidifying its unique place in Broadway productions.

Conclusion: Celebrating Creative Excellence

[28:10] Matt Tamini:
Matt concludes the interview by congratulating Fabian on his work and expressing anticipation for his future projects, including the upcoming production of Tempest with Sigourney Weaver. He also humorously suggests enhancing the visual aesthetics of characters, highlighting the collaborative and light-hearted spirit between host and guest.

Fabian Aloise:
Fabian reciprocates the gratitude, expressing enthusiasm for upcoming endeavors and the continued collaboration that fuels his creative process.

Notable Quotes

• Fabian Aloise [02:10]: “We’re in each other’s business the entire time. We’re very much... pronouncing our thoughts and opinions over each other’s work so that the whole thing is very organically sewn together.”

• Fabian Aloise [03:14]: “The Fosse stuff never leaves you. It's part of my DNA now.”

• Fabian Aloise [11:50]: “They became the inspiration to how I was going to collaborate with Nicole.”

• Fabian Aloise [16:46]: “There is not one department in the entire theater that is not being used at that particular moment in the show.”

• Fabian Aloise [19:32]: “We pay homage to it... but we also pull it apart enough to reinvent it for the generation that has never seen it before.”

• Fabian Aloise [24:21]: “When theater and cinema collide... that's what Sunset is.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of BroadwayRadio offers an in-depth look into Fabian Aloise’s choreographic genius and his collaborative relationship with Jamie Lloyd. Through engaging discussions, Fabian reveals the intricate balance of tradition and innovation that defines Sunset Boulevard, showcasing how choreography can transcend mere movement to become a storytelling powerhouse. Notable for its seamless integration of blocking and dance, the show stands as a testament to Fabian’s ability to blend artistic vision with technical precision, creating a mesmerizing Broadway experience.

For those eager to witness the magic of Sunset Boulevard, tickets can be purchased through the links provided in the show notes, ensuring you don’t miss the electrifying performance crafted by Fabian Aloise and his talented team.