RECENT AND UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS
ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE
(November 2022 – Virginia Musical Theatre, Virginia Beach, VA)
Gary John returned to VMT for a third season to direct and choreograph his sixth production of this perennial crowd-pleaser that celebrates the amazing musical legacy of the legendary Patsy Cline and her brief but memorable friendship with Louise Seger. Starring two fabulous talents, Jacqueline Petroccia and Sally Mayes, this little gem of a show is a particular favorite!
SHAW FLOORING NETWORK
Independent and United!
(Opened: January 2023 – Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, FL)
Celebrating 56 years of honesty, integrity and passion, Shaw Floors believes: “Great people. great products. great service. always.” Gary John staged the opening of their 2023 SFN Convention -- once again working with LI-based, ADM productions. Presented in the round in the beautiful Gatlin Ballroom, the opening featured a cast of over 50 dancers and performers, spectacular multi-media and proved to be a memorable and inspiring event for all setting the tone for the 3-day event.
FLORIDA STATE THESPIAN FESTIVAL
"A Place For Us"
(March 15-18, 2023 – Tampa Convention Center / Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, FL)
The largest festival of its kind in the United States, Gary John was invited back for a sixth season to teach and adjudicate at the fabulous Florida StateThespian Festival in Tampa. What an experience to work with and witness the energy of 8000+ talented Florida high school students displaying their gifts and improving their craft! Every year it is a joy to help prepare our next generation of performers and a reminder of why I love theatre.
TRANSITIONS ACADEMY
(Opening: June 2023 – JW Marriot Grande Lakes, Orlando, FL)
Transitions Academy is one of the most well-recognized and unique educational events in the optical industry. Each year, hundreds of industry professionals attend this event to participate in professional development and learn during panel discussions. Gary John will once again be staging the event which features a variety of presenters and talent in a unique live interactive presentation that intermingles an extraordinary live performance with video, light and sound in the beautiful Grande Lakes Ballroom.
JOHNSON & JOHNSON
"Leaders Live"
(Openings: May/June 2023 –
Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile; Loews Atlanta;
Marriot Marquis Queens Park – Bangkok, Thailand)
Gary John will once again join LI-based ADM Productions, staging these three exciting events for Johnson & Johnson in their worldwide headquarter cities. Featuring a large orchestra and unique, innovative, and immersive live/multimedia performances that illustrate how J&J’s team members are proud of the important work they do and how they touch lives globally every single day of the year.
THE HONKY TONK ANGELS
(Opening: July 2023 – Capital Repertory Theatre, Albany, NY)
The hilarious and heartwarming journey of three good ol’ gals who fatefully meet on a bus following their dreams to Nashville. Combining country classics with lots of humor and heart, this show is a big crowd-pleaser. Songs include: “Stand by Your Man,” “Coal Miner's Daughter,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Ode to Billy Joe” and “Harper Valley PTA,” among others. Gary John is pleased to helm his third production of the show while making his Capital Rep debut!
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
(Opening: October 2023 – Virginia Stage Company, Norfolk, VA)
Gary John will once again direct and recreate the original Jerome Robbins choreography of this timeless classic. One of his favorite shows and one that is as relevant as ever. It has been a major part of his career for nearly three decades, Gary John is excited to make his VA Stage debut and work with this incredible company at the beautiful and historic Wells Theatre in downtown Norfolk. A large and sumptuous production, the run has been extended an additional week due to popular demand!
FIDDLER: A MIRACLE OF MIRACLES
(Check your streaming services to view, purchase or rent)
“Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles” is the origin story behind one of Broadway’s most beloved and enduring musicals: Fiddler on The Roof. This film opened nationally last August, already winning plaudits across the country and features interviews with: Lyricist Sheldon Harnick, producer Hal Prince, original cast member Austin Pendleton, Broadway figures Lin-Manuel Miranda, Joel Grey, Chaim Topol, and Harvey Fierstein, among many others. Gary John makes an appearance discussing the genius work of director-choreographer Jerome Robbins and is thrilled to once again be a part of this great musical’s legacy.
SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
(Spring, 2023)
Gary John will be a guest coach and give theatre workshops for visiting universities through the Growing Studio and the NY division of Actors Connection in conjunction with the students' Senior Class Agent Showcases. In addition, he will repeat these duties and be a Guest Adjudicator for the Florida Thespian Festival in Tampa, Fl.
NEW WORKS
(Current, New York, NY)
Gary John is currently collaborating with playwright and poet Susan Tepper, a Pulitzer Prize nominee to bring her poignant new play "The Crooked Heart" to the stage. An intimate play of 3 characters, they are pursuing a major star to play the role of artist Jackson Pollock in a 2022 production.
He is also currently involved with several completed musical scripts that are in various stages of development: “lift” (McAllister & Fazio); “The Baby Project” (Jaroslow, Feingold & Olling); “The Next Big Thing” (Lowenstein & Bailey). All three are strong scripts/scores with modest cast sizes.
Interested parties should contact Gary John directly to inquire about these exciting projects and when/where they will next be seen.
He is also currently involved with several completed musical scripts that are in various stages of development: “lift” (McAllister & Fazio); “The Baby Project” (Jaroslow, Feingold & Olling); “The Next Big Thing” (Lowenstein & Bailey). All three are strong scripts/scores with modest cast sizes.
Interested parties should contact Gary John directly to inquire about these exciting projects and when/where they will next be seen.
COACHING
(Current, New York, NY)
When working in NYC, Gary John continues his private coaching services. He enjoys helping actors and directors invigorate their careers no matter what level they are at. With his wealth of resource materials, he can guide you in finding that song, monologue, or performance piece that will get you noticed. He will show you how to navigate the business, “direct” your own career and help you to be more confident and successful in the business overall. Sessions are affordable and the location is flexible. Contact Gary John to get your career on track! Please see the COACHING/WORKSHOPS web page for more detailed information.
“As for the work of director Gary John La Rosa – perfect.”
Jeanne McCartin – Portsmouth Showcase