Two landmark dance events happen this month, with Lincoln Center Out of Doors celebrating the life of Geoffrey Holder (Saturday, Aug. 1) and as part of CityPark’s Foundation’s Summer Stage, a 40th anniversary celebration of Broadway’s “The Wiz,” headed by Tony Award winner George Faison (Aug. 12 to 14).
To celebrate Holder, “a New York City icon and Renaissance man of the arts” on his actual birthday, Aug. 1, a full day of events titled “A Celebration of the Life of Geoffrey Holder” is scheduled. The acclaimed documentary “Carmen and Geoffrey,” an intimate view into Holder and wife Carmen de Lavallade’s life will be screened. Choreographer Garth Fagan and his company, Garth Fagan Dance, will present a co-commissioned work in tribute to Holder, plus repertory works, and also a panel discussion is on the schedule. To highlight the day, de Lavallade, known to many as Holder’s muse, will perform “The Creation,” a solo work created and scored by Holder specifically for de Lavallade in 1972, accompanied by vocals from the Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble. For more information, visit www.LCOutofDoors.org.
At 40, the hit Broadway show “The Wiz” will be celebrated. It was the first African-American production to win a Tony Award for Best Choreography. George Faison will lead the celebration titled “The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music.” Many members from the original Broadway cast will return for the celebration, including Andre De Shields as the Wiz, Dee Dee Bridgewater as Glinda, plus singer-songwriter Wallace Gary will join as the Scarecrow. Actress Phylicia Rashad, a Munchkin in the original production, will co-host with Faison. For more information, visit www.cityparksfoundation.org.