Andy Blankenbuehler: A Critical Companion

"There are very few times when I really want the audience to look at dance…Dance is just meant to be a framing device that matches emotionally what I want the audience to feel." - Andy Blankenbuehler Three-time Tony Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler is one of the most recognizable choreographers working on Broadway today. Known particularly for his work on the hit musical Hamilton, collaborating once again with Lin-Manuel Miranda following their work on In The Heights, his distinct style and method of working is unique and distinguishable. This first critical study of both his style and extraordinary body of work explores everything from his background and training through to his rehearsal process and collaborative style. Told chronologically through his major shows, alongside interludes and reflections, this critical companion includes analysis alongside interviews with collaborators and Blankenbuehler himself. As well as guiding readers through specific shows, this book unpacks and explores Blankenbuehler’s philosophies with regards to storytelling through the body. It argues how his prioritization of the ensemble as crucial to understanding the action within a show consequently positions the ensemble body as an indispensable element through which the audience gains vital (sub)text. As a result of this decision his choreography has become distinctly different from his predecessors and peers. Published in Methuen Drama's Musical Theatre Critical Companions series this offers an accessible yet thorough study of a contemporary practitioner that is perfect for students, dancers and musical theatre fans alike.