Behind the Buzz at Port Summer Show's Urinetown: Meet the Choreographer

I watch as a large group of dancers pivot and then move seamlessly into a kick line. Not an easy feat, but made more difficult as this is a really big group. The smiles light up the stage and everyone is having a great time. And all of this is under the watchful eye of Jesse Pellegrino, the choreographer for Urinetown and also the “new kid on the block.”

Jesse also has an infectious laugh and smile and is truly enjoying himself. He took a moment out from rehearsals to answer a few questions.

Besides being the Choreographer for Urinetown, what is your “day job”?

Theatre is actually my day job. It took me a few years to make it my full-time job. I choreograph, direct, perform and I also am the prop Master for Clocktower Players, in Irvington, NY. I also direct and choreograph for Pelham Middle School as well as Choreograph for Rye Neck Middle School.

What was the first show you worked on?

The first show I choreographed was JOSEPH and the AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. This show has a very special place in my heart, as it was also the first musical I ever performed. It was a very “full-circle” moment when I got hired to choreograph that show. It will always be one of my favorites.

Who is your favorite choreographer? What is your dream show to choreograph?

My all-time favorite choreographer is the incomparable Bob Fosse. I also admire Josh Bergasse and Rob Ashford. They paint such beautiful pictures and stories through song and dance. My dream show(s) to choreograph have to be PIPPIN and SWEET CHARITY. One day, hopefully, I will.

If you could meet one dancer/choreographer, who would it be and what would you ask him/her?

I would have to go with my idol, Bob Fosse. If it was at all a possibility to meet him, I would do anything. It would take me at least a week to go through the questions I have for him. If I had to pick the first question I would ask, it would be: Can you teach me everything you know?

What is it like to direct and to work with Port Summer Show which is such a large and enthusiastic bunch? I see you have a student dance captain, how do you work with her?

I am used to working with students. This is one of the larger groups that I have worked with. It is really just like solving a puzzle except there is no picture to reference from the box. They are quite enthusiastic, but also very focused when it comes to learning and retaining choreography which has been incredibly helpful.

I am also used to working with a student dance captain. I must say that Stephanie-Anne Thomsen has been incredible. Whenever there is down time to rehearse dances, she takes the reins and works the kids just as I would. We have constant communication and she is usually right by my side during the rehearsals. It must be difficult for her because she is pulling double duty. She has to learn all the music and the staging as well as the dances. Stephanie-Anne is great at splitting up her rehearsal time and covering everything. She is very helpful and encouraging to her fellow students.

What do you like about PSS? Is this group different from other theater groups you work with?

This is my first year with Port Summer Show. I have found this to be a wonderful experience! Everyone here has been so welcoming to me as the “new kid on the block.” The kids are an absolute delight and their enthusiasm for theatre is intoxicating. The creative team and the board have been absolutely fabulous to work with as well!

Urinetown! …seems to be a cult favorite with all theater folks I talk to…Why? What do you like about it? When you first saw it, what were your impressions?

I have a confession. I am a huge theatre nerd. As I said before, theatre is my life and I consider myself quite well versed. However, Urinetown, slipped through the cracks. I have never seen it, or been involved in any other production. It is actually a very unique opportunity for me as a choreographer. I made sure to not be exposed to any past productions, including the Broadway production. I read the script several times and then let the music and the material speak to me.

Urinetown performance Dates are August 7-9 at 7:30 PM and August 10 at 2:00 PM in the air-conditioned Schreiber High School Auditorium. Tickets are $10, kids 12 and under are $5. (Senior citizens admitted free on August 7.) Please check www.portsummershow.org for information on presale tickets as last year’s performances sold out.

For information, to buy tickets, or to sponsor the summer show call 516-777-0220, emailinfo@portsummershow.org or visit www.portsummershow.org .

“Urinetown the musical……it’s not what you “tink”!”