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{{Short description|American choreographer}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| image = Hugh_Grant_2014.jpg
| name = Jonathan Cerullo
| imagesize =
| image =
| caption =
| caption = Grant during his ''[[Wetten, dass..?]]'' appearance in November 2014
| birth_name = Hugh John Mungo Grant
| birth_name = Jonathan Stuart Cerullo
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1960|09|09|df=yes}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1960|12|21|mf=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Hammersmith]], London, England
| birth_place = [[Mount Vernon, New York]], U.S.
| occupation = director, executive producer, choreographer, dramaturge
| nationality = English
| occupation = [[Actor]], [[film producer|producer]]
| years_active = 1982–present
| years_active = 1982–present
| partner = [[Elizabeth Hurley]] (1987–2000)
| alma_mater = [[Emerson College]]
| children = 4
| alma_mater = [[New College, Oxford]]
}}
}}


'''Jonathan Stuart Cerullo''' (born December 21, 1960) is an American director and choreographer, executive producer, and former performer. Cerullo is known for his work on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]], [[Off-Broadway]], and [[Regional theater in the United States|regionally]]. He has also worked in circus, film, and television.

'''Jonathan Stuart Cerullo''' is an American director and choreographer, and former performer. Jonathan is known for his work on [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]], [[Off-Broadway]], and [[Regional theater in the United States|Regionally]]. Additionally, he has worked in [[circus]], film, and television.


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Jonathan received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Directing from [[Emerson College]] in 1982.<ref>{{Cite web|url=connection.emerson.edu/s/1427/images/editor.../2014-02-22_2_.pdf|title=The Emerson Network Update|last=|first=|date=February 22, 2014|website=|publisher=Emerson College|access-date=}}</ref> Jonathan is also the great, great nephew of the Italian operatic [[soprano]] [[Erminia Frezzolini]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/realestate/25habi.html?_r=0|title=Pocket-Sized on West 47th Street|last=Rosenblum|first=Constance|date=April 23, 2010|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 31, 2016|via=}}</ref>
Cerullo received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in directing and a Master of Arts from [[Emerson College]] in 1982 and 2024. He is also the great, great nephew of the Italian operatic [[soprano]] [[Erminia Frezzolini]].{{citation needed|date=September 2016}}

Cerullo's home has been featured in ''[[The New York Times]]'' with the article by [[Constance Rosenblum]] entitled, "Pocket-Sized on West 47th Street",<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rosenblum |first1=Constance |title=Pocket-Sized on West 47th Street |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/realestate/25habi.html |work=The New York Times |date=April 23, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100427015618/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/25/realestate/25habi.html |archive-date=April 27, 2010 |quote=Jonathan Cerullo}}</ref> the article was also selected to be part of her book entitled Habitats: Private Lives in the Big City<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rosemblum |first1=Constance |title=Habitats: Private Lives in the Big City |date=March 25, 2013 |publisher=NYU Press |isbn=978-0814771563 |pages=256 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k3FNrXyn3lAC}}</ref> published by NYU Press, March 25, 2013.


== Career ==
== Career ==
===1986-2014===
Jonathan's first major role was in the US National III tour of the Broadway musical [[Cats (musical)|''Cats'']] as [[Skimbleshanks]] the Railway Cat, which ran from September 1986 to August 1988.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ovrtur.com/production/2901248/credits|title=Credits for Cats (Third National Tour, 1986) {{!}} Ovrtur|website=www.ovrtur.com|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>
Cerullo's first major role was in the US National III tour of the Broadway musical [[Cats (musical)|''Cats'']] as [[Skimbleshanks]] the Railway Cat, which ran from September 1986 to August 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ovrtur.com/production/2901248/credits |title=Credits for Cats (Third National Tour, 1986) {{!}} Ovrtur|website=www.ovrtur.com|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> He was Big Daddy in the West Coast production of [[Sweet Charity]] starring TONY award winner, [[Donna McKechnie]]. Appeared at the [[Goodspeed Opera House]], [[North Shore Music Theatre]], the [[Ogunquit Playhouse]] and [http://capeplayhouse.com/ The Cape Playhouse]. He was a voting member of the [[Lucille Lortel Award]] for Off-Broadway productions, is a member of the [[Stage Directors and Choreographers Society]], the [[Dramatists Guild of America|Dramatist Guild]] and the [[Actors' Equity Association]].


On Broadway, as a performer, Jonathan was a featured dancer in the 1988 Broadway musical [[Legs Diamond (musical)|''Legs Diamond'']], starring [[Peter Allen (musician)|Peter Allen]], and was also featured on the BMG-RCA Original Cast Recording for the musical. He was also the Dance Captain for [[Circle in the Square Theatre|Circle in the Square]]'s Broadway production of [[Anna Karenina (musical)|''Anna Karenina'']].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibdb.com/Person/View/72554|title=Jonathan Cerullo {{!}} IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information|last=League|first=The Broadway|website=www.ibdb.com|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>
He made his Broadway debut in 1984, as a Production Assistant on the musical, [[The Three Musketeers]] directed and choreographed by TONY award-winning director, [[Joe Layton]], also on Broadway, as a performer, Cerullo was a featured dancer in the 1988 Broadway musical [[Legs Diamond (musical)|''Legs Diamond'']], starring [[Peter Allen (musician)|Peter Allen]], and was also featured on the BMG-RCA Original Cast Recording for the musical.


In 1992 he was the Dance Captain for [[Circle in the Square Theatre|Circle in the Square]]'s Broadway production of [[Anna Karenina (musical)|''Anna Karenina'']].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibdb.com/Person/View/72554 |title=Jonathan Cerullo {{!}} IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information|last=League|first=The Broadway|website=www.ibdb.com|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> and the Broadway musical, [https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-production/band-in-berlin-6734 Band In Berlin] based on the lives of the [[Comedian Harmonists]]. Cerullo worked with the late [[Frank Gorshin]] on the Broadway production of, "Say Goodnight Gracie", by [[Rupert Holmes]] at the [[Helen Hayes Theatre]] as his dance instructor and created the soft shoe routine for Gorshin as [[George Burns]]. In 1992 in Los Angeles Cerullo worked with and taught [[Uta Hagen]], on what was to be her last stage performance for the [http://www.sixdancelessonsinsixweeks.com "Six Dance Lesson in Six Weeks"], by [[Richard Alfieri]] at the [[Geffen Playhouse]], [[David Hyde Pierce]] was her co-star, and the production was choreographed by Kay Cole. He later interviewed Kay Cole<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cerullo |first1=Jonathan |title=Kay, Oh! |url=http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/06-2011/kay-oh_37725.html |publisher=TheatreMania |date=June 2, 2011}}</ref> for TheaterMania.
After working with him on ''Anna Karenina'', choreographer and director [[Patricia Birch]] began mentoring Cerullo. Through this partnership, Cerullo was able to Associate Choreograph for Birch on the [[Public Broadcasting Service]] (PBS) series ''[[Great Performances]]'' for ''This Is The Moment'', starring [[Donny Osmond]] and [[Vanessa L. Williams|Vanessa Williams]], ''and [[Holly & Ivy#Promotion|Natalie Cole's Untraditional Traditional Christmas Special]].'' Jonathan was also the Assistant Choreographer to Patrica on the films ''[[The First Wives Club]]'', and ''[[The Cowboy Way (film)|The Cowboy Way]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1867724/|title=Jonathan Cerullo|website=IMDb|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> Jonathan also worked with Pat Birch on the [[St. Ann's Warehouse]] production of ''Band in Berlin'' as the Assistant Director and Choreographer, which had a brief stint on Broadway in 1999.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibdb.com/Production/View/6734|title=Band in Berlin {{!}} IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information|last=League|first=The Broadway|website=www.ibdb.com|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>


After working with him on the Broadway musical, ''Anna Karenina'', choreographer and director [[Patricia Birch]] began mentoring Cerullo. Through this partnership, Cerullo was hired as Associate Choreograph for Birch on the [[Public Broadcasting Service]] (PBS) series ''[[Great Performances]]'' for ''This Is The Moment'', starring [[Donny Osmond]] and [[Vanessa L. Williams|Vanessa Williams]], ''and [[Holly & Ivy#Promotion|Natalie Cole's Untraditional Traditional Christmas Special]].'' Cerullo was also the Assistant Choreographer to Patrica on the films ''[[The First Wives Club]]'', starring [[Bette Midler]], [[Diane Keaton]] and [[Goldie Hawn]] and ''[[The Cowboy Way (film)|The Cowboy Way]]'' starring [[Woody Harrelson]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1867724/ |title=Jonathan Cerullo |website=IMDb |access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> Cerullo also worked with Pat Birch on the [[St. Ann's Warehouse]] production of Band in Berlin as the Assistant Director and Choreographer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibdb.com/Production/View/6734 |title=Band in Berlin {{!}} IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information|last=League|first=The Broadway|website=www.ibdb.com|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>
Jonathan directed the original musical ''Fools' Paradise'', by [[Jim Camacho]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Mandelstam-Theater-Hosts-Fools-Paradise-20080317|title=Mandelstam Theater Hosts 'Fool's Paradise'|last=Desk|first=BWW News|website=BroadwayWorld.com|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>


He choreographed the productions of ''Picturesque'' and ''Carnevale!'' for the [[Big Apple Circus]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/28/nyregion/public-lives-creating-the-spirit-of-carnival-in-a-tent.html|title=PUBLIC LIVES; Creating the Spirit of Carnival in a Tent|last=Collins|first=Glenn|date=October 28, 2003|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>
Cerullo directed the original musical ''Fools' Paradise'', by [[Jim Camacho]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Mandelstam-Theater-Hosts-Fools-Paradise-20080317 |title=Mandelstam Theater Hosts 'Fool's Paradise' |author=BWW News Desk |website=BroadwayWorld.com |access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> At [[Lincoln Center]], he choreographed the productions of ''Picturesque'' and ''Carnevale!'' for the [[Big Apple Circus]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/28/nyregion/public-lives-creating-the-spirit-of-carnival-in-a-tent.html |title=PUBLIC LIVES; Creating the Spirit of Carnival in a Tent |last=Collins |first=Glenn |date=October 28, 2003 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> and received a [[Village Voice]] 2003 Voice Choices Best Dance Pick. His work for the production was detailed in Backstage, Theatre Artists Take on Challenges of the Circus,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Horiwitz |first1=Simi |title=Theatre Artists Take on Challenges of the Circus |url=http://www.backstage.com/news/theatre-artists-take-on-challenges-of-the-circus/ |publisher=Backstage |date=December 18, 2013}}</ref> by Simi Horwitz.


In 2003, Cerullo choreographed [[Orpheus Descending]] for Great Performances [https://vimeo.com/34081726 Evening At Pops] with the [[Boston Pops]] conducted by maestro, [[Keith Lockhart]]. He was Special Effects Movement Consultant to Bette Midler on the film "The Stepford Wives<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cerullo |first1=Jonathan |title=Filmography |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1867724/ |website=IMDB}}</ref>" in 2004. He also conceived directed and produced the video tribute to [[George Abbott|Mr. George Abbott]] for the "Mr. Abbott Award" for Lifetime Achievement in the American Theatre presented annually by the Stage Director and Choreographers Society.
Jonathan received the prestigious Newhouse Scholarship from Career Transition for Dancers<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/sideline-work-new-careers/career-transition-dancers|title=Career Transition For Dancers {{!}} The Actors Fund|website=www.actorsfund.org|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> to form his production company called JSCTheatricals, LLC. In October 2013 he made his debut as Producer under his newly formed company for the Grand Central Terminal's Centennial Celebration presentation of ''Orphan Train, The Musical'' directed by Patricia Birch.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/article/grand-central-centennial-celebration-to-feature-cynthia-nixon-plus-orphan-train-musical-directed-by-patricia-birch-com-201979|title=Grand Central Centennial Celebration to Feature Cynthia Nixon; Plus Orphan Train Musical, Directed by Patricia Birch {{!}} Playbill|website=Playbill|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>


Cerullo received the Newhouse Scholarship from Career Transition for Dancers<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/sideline-work-new-careers/career-transition-dancers |title=Career Transition For Dancers {{!}} The Actors Fund|website=www.actorsfund.org|date=October 24, 2015|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> to form his production company called JSCTheatricals, LLC. In October 2013 he made his debut as Producer under his newly formed company for the Grand Central Terminal's Centennial Celebration presentation of ''Orphan Train, The Musical'' directed by Patricia Birch.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.playbill.com/article/grand-central-centennial-celebration-to-feature-cynthia-nixon-plus-orphan-train-musical-directed-by-patricia-birch-com-201979 |title=Grand Central Centennial Celebration to Feature Cynthia Nixon; Plus Orphan Train Musical, Directed by Patricia Birch {{!}} Playbill|website=Playbill|date=January 28, 2013|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>
Jonathan directed the world premiere of ''Windywoo and Her Naughty Naughty Pets'' a new musical for children of all ages, for the 2015 NY Music Theater Festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thenaughtynaughtypetsmusical.com|title=home|website=Windywoo and her naughty naughty pets|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/WINDYWOO-AND-HER-NAUGHTY-PETS-Reading-Set-for-NYMF-20150709|title=WINDYWOO AND HER NAUGHTY PETS Reading Set for NYMF|last=Desk|first=BWW News|website=BroadwayWorld.com|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>


===2015-present===
Cerullo directed ''Fictitious'', a new musical by Paul Cozby and Tom Hyndman, for the Theatre Now New York SOUND BITES 3.0 annual 10-minute musical festival, for which he received the award for Best Director.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.tnny.org/|title=Theatre Now New York – Re-visioning Theatre|website=www.tnny.org|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>
Cerullo directed the world premiere of ''Windywoo and Her Naughty Naughty Pets'' a new musical for children of all ages, for the 2015 NY Musical Festival.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.thenaughtynaughtypetsmusical.com |title=home |website=Windywoo and her naughty naughty pets |access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/WINDYWOO-AND-HER-NAUGHTY-PETS-Reading-Set-for-NYMF-20150709 |title=WINDYWOO AND HER NAUGHTY PETS Reading Set for NYMF |author=BWW News Desk |website=BroadwayWorld.com |access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> Cerullo directed ''Fictitious'', a new musical by Paul Cozby and Tom Hyndman, for the Theatre Now New York SOUND BITES 3.0 annual 10-minute musical festival, for which he received the award for Best Director.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tnny.org/ |title=Theatre Now New York – Re-visioning Theatre |website=www.tnny.org |access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>


Jonathan recently directed the NYC premiere of ''RISE'', written and performed by Scott Barry at the [[Museum of Sex]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.museumofsex.com/blog/page/17|title=Blog {{!}} Page 17 of 32 {{!}} Museum of Sex|website=MoSEX|language=en-US|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> He also had the honor of working on the 30th Anniversary of the Easter Bonnet Competition at the Minskoff Theater by conceiving, directing and choreographing the Bucket Brigade Tribute.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.broadwaycares.org/easterbonnet|title=Easter Bonnet 2016 – Broadway Cares|website=www.broadwaycares.org|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref>
In 2016, he directed the NYC premiere of ''RISE'', written and performed by Scott Barry at the [[Museum of Sex]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.museumofsex.com/blog/page/17 |title=Blog {{!}} Page 17 of 32 {{!}} Museum of Sex|website=MoSEX|language=en-US|access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> Cerullo also had the honor of working on the 30th anniversary of the Easter Bonnet Competition at the Minskoff Theater by conceiving, directing and choreographing the Bucket Brigade Tribute.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.broadwaycares.org/easterbonnet |title=Easter Bonnet 2016 – Broadway Cares |website=www.broadwaycares.org |access-date=2016-05-31}}</ref> In 2016, for the [[New York Musical Theatre Festival|New York Musical Festival]], Cerullo choreographed the production of ''Lisa and Leonardo'' written by Donya Lane and Ed McNamee.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lisa and Leonardo Musical Creatives |url=http://www.lisaandleonardo.com/creatives}}</ref> Cerullo was interviewed by Bob Rizzo for BroadwayWorld.com,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rizzo |first1=Bob |title=BWW Interview: Choreographer Jonathan Cerullo on LISA AND LEONARDO at NYMF |url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/nymf/article/BWW-Interview-Choreographer-Jonathan-Cerullo-on-LISA-AND-LEONARDO-at-NYMF-20160719 |publisher=broadwayworld.com |date=July 19, 2016}}</ref> Also in 2016 Cerullo directed the NY premiere of [http://www.chancethemusical.com/ CHANCE, the musical] written by Richard Isen for the [[Fresh Fruit Festival]]. His received positive reviews for his work in OUTERSTAGE.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meena |first1=Evan |title=Chances are this is a winner |url=https://outerstage.wordpress.com/2016/07/27/chances-are-this-is-a-winner/ |publisher=OUTERSTAGE |date=July 27, 2016}}</ref> Finally in 2016 he directed and staged the NY Premiere of [http://sidstreasureplay.com/ The Fifth Dentist In Search Of Sid's Treasure A Tribute to the Sultan Of Striptease] at the [[New York International Fringe Festival|NY International Fringe Festival]]. Cerullo was quoted<ref>{{cite news |last1=COLLINS-HUGHES |first1=LAURA |title=How 4 Fringe Festival Shows Found Free Rehearsal Space |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/12/theater/fringe-festival-rehearsal-spaces.html?_r=0 |work=The New York Times |date=August 11, 2016}}</ref> in ''[[The New York Times]]'' about his involvement with this production.


He also produced ''Conrack, The Musical'' based on [[Pat Conroy|Pat Conroy's]] the "[[The Water Is Wide (book)|Water is Wide]]", featuring Tony Award nominees [[Vivian Reed (musical theatre actress)|Vivian Reed]] and [[Ernestine Jackson]] and Drama Desk nominee A.J. Shively at [[York Theatre Company]] Development Reading Series By Granville Burgess and music By Emmy Award-winning composer [[Doug Katsaros]] directed by Stuart Ross. Cerullo is preparing ''[http://www.willieandme.com Willie & Me] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903072358/https://www.willieandme.com/ |date=September 3, 2017 }}, The [[Emmett Kelly]] Story''. This was written by Cerullo and Stephen Woodburn.
In 2016 for the [[New York Musical Theatre Festival|New York Musical Festival]] Jonathan choreographed the production of Lisa and Leonardo written by Donya Lane and Ed McNamee <ref>{{cite web|title=Lisa and Leonardo Musical Creatives|url=http://www.lisaandleonardo.com/creatives}}</ref>. Jonathan was interviewed by Bob Rizzo for BroadwayWorld.com,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rizzo|first1=Bob|title=BWW Interview: Choreographer Jonathan Cerullo on LISA AND LEONARDO at NYMF|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/nymf/article/BWW-Interview-Choreographer-Jonathan-Cerullo-on-LISA-AND-LEONARDO-at-NYMF-20160719|publisher=broadwayworld.com|date=July 19, 2016}}</ref> Also in 2016 Cerullo directed the NY premier of [http://www.chancethemusical.com/ CHANCE, the musical] written by Richard Isen for the [[Fresh Fruit Festival]].


Cerullo is the producer and director of the Broadway musical ''[[Legs Diamond]]'' at [[Feinstein's/54 Below|Feinstein's 54 Below]] with original cast members, two-time Tony Award nominee [[Christine Andreas]], Tony Award nominee Brenda Braxton, and two-time Tony nominee [[Bob Stillman]] and Randall Edwards.<ref>[https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Randall-Edwards-Returns-to-NY-in-LEGS-DIAMOND-30thAnniversary-Reunion-Concertat-Feinsteins54-Below-20171023 30th Anniversary Reunion Concert]</ref> He directed and choreographed an all-male version of [[Rodgers and Hart]] musical comedy, [[The Boys From Syracuse]] for Musicals Tonight! Off-Broadway at the Lion Theatre on Theatre Row. John Soltes Interview Rediscovering Rodgers and Hart's "<ref>Boys from Syracuse, https://www.hollywoodsoapbox.com/?p=19378</ref>". Jonathan staged [[Amas Musical Theatre]]'s [https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/news/amas-musical-theatre-annual-gala-benefit_84019.html No Foolin' A Musical Confection]. Honoring Tony Award winner, Grammy Award winner, [[Micki Grant]] Hosted by [[Brad Oscar]].
== External links ==

* [https://www.ibdb.com/Person/View/72554 Jonathan Cerullo] at the [[Internet Broadway Database]]
Bob Ost, executive director, president, and co-founder of [https://truonline.org/ Theatre Resources Unlimited] TRU, hired Cerullo to direct their 2018 TRU LOVE benefit honoring John Chatterton, [[Baayork Lee]], and her [[National Asian Artists Project]]. The event featured Tony Award winner [[Priscilla Lopez]], [[Donna McKechnie]], and Brenda Braxton. Amas Musical Theatre hired Jonathan to write and direct Amas@50 Anniversary Concert.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theatricalindex.com/news/view/id/1330 |title=Amas Musical Theatre's 50th Anniversary Gala set for Mon Apr 1}}</ref> Honorary Chair ~ [[Whoopi Goldberg]], Hosted by [[Lillias White]] and featuring [[Leslie Uggams]], Vivian Reed, [[Christopher Jackson (actor)|Christopher Jackson actor]], Lance Roberts, [[Len Cariou]], N'Kenge, [[Soara-Joye Ross]], Elijah Ahmad Lewis and a Special video appearance by [[Petula Clark]]. The gala is honoring [[Harry Belafonte]], Sharleen Cooper Cohen, Donna Trinkoff, and Shelly Berger manager of [[The Temptations]]. In 2019 he was made an [https://www.amasmusical.org/staff Artistic Associate] at Amas Music Theatre.
* [http://lortel.org/Archives/CreditableEntity/3034 Jonathan Cerullo] at the [[Lortel Archives|Internet Off-Broadway Database]]

* [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1867724/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Jonathan Cerullo] at the [[IMDb|Internet Movie Database]]
He produced the [[Interfaith Center of New York|James Parks Morton Interfaith Award]] honoring [[Dr. Ruth Westheimer]] and Bishop Curry in 2019. The event was hosted by [[Mo Rocca]].
* [http://www.jsctheatricals.com JSCTheatricals, LLC]

2020 Cerullo directed Jen Chapin's ''Essential Stories''. Jen Chapin is the daughter of the late singer-songwriter [[Harry Chapin]]. He also conceived, produced, and directed [https://www.playbill.com/article/cats-national-tour-cast-reunites-for-streaming-performance-benefiting-broadway-cares-equity-fights-aids With Love, Now and Forever!] CATSCOVIDRELIEF for [[Broadway Cares]] COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for [[Actors Fund of America]]. After 34 years the third National Touring Company of [[Cats (musical)]] reunited for this special event hosted by Broadway and TV star [[Brian Stokes Mitchell]] and Tom Viola.

He also appears on [[Stars in the House]] as well as Broadway Network Podcast<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cerullo |first1=Jonathan |title=The Wrong Cat Died |url=https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/the-wrong-cat-died/bonus-broadway-cares-equity-fights-aids-with-love-now-and-forever-cats4covid-relief/ |website=Broadway Podcast Network |access-date=26 November 2020}}</ref> Cerullo, in 2021, made his Los Angeles directorial debut at the award-winning theatre, [[Blank Theatre Company|The Blank Theatre]] with Scott Barry's Hard On Love starring Los Angeles Drama Critics Award-winner [[Rob Nagle]] and from [[RuPaul's Drag Race]] [[Brita Filter]] aka Jesse Havea. Cerullo wrote the script for Amas Musical Theatre's 2021 gala AMAS YOU LOVE, a Heart to Heart Celebration. Directed by Maria Torres, hosted by Justina Machado, and receiving the 2021 Rosie Award was Tony Award-winner Lillias White.

In May he wrote the tribute segment to [[Sheryl Lee Ralph]] recipient of [[Amas Musical Theatre]]'s Rosie Award presented to her by [[Brian Stokes Mitchell]]

In December of 2023, Cerullo, an original cast member, directed for the [[New York Public Library for the Performing Arts]] at [[Lincoln Center]] of Legs Diamond, the musical, in Concert & Conversation starring original cast members, [[Brenda Braxton]], [[Bob Stillman]], [[Christine Andreas]] and [[Randall Edwards (actress)|Randall Edwards]]. The musical was written by [[Peter Allen (musician)|Peter Allen]], [[Charles Suppon]] and [[Harvey Fierstein]]. The evening was moderated and hosted by [[BroadwayWorld|Broadway World]]'s Richard Ridge. <ref>https://www.playbill.com/article/original-cast-of-peter-allens-legs-diamond-reunites-at-new-york-public-library-for-the-performing-arts-december-4</ref>

Amas Musical Theater's 55-year Benefit Gala honoring Patricia Birch and Len Cariou was directed and staged by Cerullo featuring [[Lorna Luft]], [[Liz Callaway]], [[Hugh Panaro]], and [[Lee Roy Reams]]. <ref>https://playbill.com/article/patricia-birch-and-len-cariou-to-be-honored-at-55th-annual-amas-musical-theatre-benefit-gala</ref>

== Awards and nominations ==

{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Award
!Category
!Work
!Result
|-
|2016
|SoundBites 3.0 - Theatre Now NY - Award of Excellence
|Best Director
|''Fictitious''
|{{won}}
|-
|2016
|Fresh Fruit Festival - Director
|Outstanding Production Design and Outstanding Performance in a Musical
|''CHANCE''
|{{won}}
|-
|2018
|The Actors Fund - Encore Award
|Extraordinary Dedication to the Performing Arts
|
|{{won}}
|-
|2018
|Byram Hills Theatre Honors
|Certificate of Appreciation
|BHHS Theatre Program
|{{won}}
|-
|2020
|Stage Directors and Choreographers
|President's Award for Extraordinary Service
|
|{{won}}
|-
|2023
|Stage Directors and Choreographers
|President's Award for Extraordinary Service
|
|{{won}}
|}


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|2}}


== External links ==
* {{IBDB name|72554|Jonathan Cerullo}}
* {{IOBDB name|3034|Jonathan Cerullo}}
* {{IMDb name|1867724|Jonathan Cerullo}}
* [http://www.jsctheatricals.com JSCTheatricals, LLC]
* [http://www.willieandme.com www.willieandme.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170903072358/https://www.willieandme.com/ |date=September 3, 2017 }}
* [http://www.thenaughtynaughtypetsmusical.com www.thenaughtynaughtypetsmusical.com]
* [http://www.mrpuppythemusical.com www.mrpuppythemusical.com]


{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cerullo, Jon}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Cerullo, Jon}}
[[Category:1960 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American choreographers]]
[[Category:American choreographers]]
[[Category:American theatre directors]]
[[Category:American theatre directors]]
[[Category:American actors]]
[[Category:American male actors]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Male actors from Mount Vernon, New York]]

Latest revision as of 11:32, 30 November 2024

Jonathan Cerullo
Born
Jonathan Stuart Cerullo

(1960-12-21) December 21, 1960 (age 63)
Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.
Alma materEmerson College
Occupation(s)director, executive producer, choreographer, dramaturge
Years active1982–present

Jonathan Stuart Cerullo (born December 21, 1960) is an American director and choreographer, executive producer, and former performer. Cerullo is known for his work on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regionally. He has also worked in circus, film, and television.

Personal life

[edit]

Cerullo received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in directing and a Master of Arts from Emerson College in 1982 and 2024. He is also the great, great nephew of the Italian operatic soprano Erminia Frezzolini.[citation needed]

Cerullo's home has been featured in The New York Times with the article by Constance Rosenblum entitled, "Pocket-Sized on West 47th Street",[1] the article was also selected to be part of her book entitled Habitats: Private Lives in the Big City[2] published by NYU Press, March 25, 2013.

Career

[edit]

1986-2014

[edit]

Cerullo's first major role was in the US National III tour of the Broadway musical Cats as Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat, which ran from September 1986 to August 1988.[3] He was Big Daddy in the West Coast production of Sweet Charity starring TONY award winner, Donna McKechnie. Appeared at the Goodspeed Opera House, North Shore Music Theatre, the Ogunquit Playhouse and The Cape Playhouse. He was a voting member of the Lucille Lortel Award for Off-Broadway productions, is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, the Dramatist Guild and the Actors' Equity Association.

He made his Broadway debut in 1984, as a Production Assistant on the musical, The Three Musketeers directed and choreographed by TONY award-winning director, Joe Layton, also on Broadway, as a performer, Cerullo was a featured dancer in the 1988 Broadway musical Legs Diamond, starring Peter Allen, and was also featured on the BMG-RCA Original Cast Recording for the musical.

In 1992 he was the Dance Captain for Circle in the Square's Broadway production of Anna Karenina.[4] and the Broadway musical, Band In Berlin based on the lives of the Comedian Harmonists. Cerullo worked with the late Frank Gorshin on the Broadway production of, "Say Goodnight Gracie", by Rupert Holmes at the Helen Hayes Theatre as his dance instructor and created the soft shoe routine for Gorshin as George Burns. In 1992 in Los Angeles Cerullo worked with and taught Uta Hagen, on what was to be her last stage performance for the "Six Dance Lesson in Six Weeks", by Richard Alfieri at the Geffen Playhouse, David Hyde Pierce was her co-star, and the production was choreographed by Kay Cole. He later interviewed Kay Cole[5] for TheaterMania.

After working with him on the Broadway musical, Anna Karenina, choreographer and director Patricia Birch began mentoring Cerullo. Through this partnership, Cerullo was hired as Associate Choreograph for Birch on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) series Great Performances for This Is The Moment, starring Donny Osmond and Vanessa Williams, and Natalie Cole's Untraditional Traditional Christmas Special. Cerullo was also the Assistant Choreographer to Patrica on the films The First Wives Club, starring Bette Midler, Diane Keaton and Goldie Hawn and The Cowboy Way starring Woody Harrelson.[6] Cerullo also worked with Pat Birch on the St. Ann's Warehouse production of Band in Berlin as the Assistant Director and Choreographer.[7]

Cerullo directed the original musical Fools' Paradise, by Jim Camacho.[8] At Lincoln Center, he choreographed the productions of Picturesque and Carnevale! for the Big Apple Circus.[9] and received a Village Voice 2003 Voice Choices Best Dance Pick. His work for the production was detailed in Backstage, Theatre Artists Take on Challenges of the Circus,[10] by Simi Horwitz.

In 2003, Cerullo choreographed Orpheus Descending for Great Performances Evening At Pops with the Boston Pops conducted by maestro, Keith Lockhart. He was Special Effects Movement Consultant to Bette Midler on the film "The Stepford Wives[11]" in 2004. He also conceived directed and produced the video tribute to Mr. George Abbott for the "Mr. Abbott Award" for Lifetime Achievement in the American Theatre presented annually by the Stage Director and Choreographers Society.

Cerullo received the Newhouse Scholarship from Career Transition for Dancers[12] to form his production company called JSCTheatricals, LLC. In October 2013 he made his debut as Producer under his newly formed company for the Grand Central Terminal's Centennial Celebration presentation of Orphan Train, The Musical directed by Patricia Birch.[13]

2015-present

[edit]

Cerullo directed the world premiere of Windywoo and Her Naughty Naughty Pets a new musical for children of all ages, for the 2015 NY Musical Festival.[14][15] Cerullo directed Fictitious, a new musical by Paul Cozby and Tom Hyndman, for the Theatre Now New York SOUND BITES 3.0 annual 10-minute musical festival, for which he received the award for Best Director.[16]

In 2016, he directed the NYC premiere of RISE, written and performed by Scott Barry at the Museum of Sex.[17] Cerullo also had the honor of working on the 30th anniversary of the Easter Bonnet Competition at the Minskoff Theater by conceiving, directing and choreographing the Bucket Brigade Tribute.[18] In 2016, for the New York Musical Festival, Cerullo choreographed the production of Lisa and Leonardo written by Donya Lane and Ed McNamee.[19] Cerullo was interviewed by Bob Rizzo for BroadwayWorld.com,[20] Also in 2016 Cerullo directed the NY premiere of CHANCE, the musical written by Richard Isen for the Fresh Fruit Festival. His received positive reviews for his work in OUTERSTAGE.[21] Finally in 2016 he directed and staged the NY Premiere of The Fifth Dentist In Search Of Sid's Treasure A Tribute to the Sultan Of Striptease at the NY International Fringe Festival. Cerullo was quoted[22] in The New York Times about his involvement with this production.

He also produced Conrack, The Musical based on Pat Conroy's the "Water is Wide", featuring Tony Award nominees Vivian Reed and Ernestine Jackson and Drama Desk nominee A.J. Shively at York Theatre Company Development Reading Series By Granville Burgess and music By Emmy Award-winning composer Doug Katsaros directed by Stuart Ross. Cerullo is preparing Willie & Me Archived September 3, 2017, at the Wayback Machine, The Emmett Kelly Story. This was written by Cerullo and Stephen Woodburn.

Cerullo is the producer and director of the Broadway musical Legs Diamond at Feinstein's 54 Below with original cast members, two-time Tony Award nominee Christine Andreas, Tony Award nominee Brenda Braxton, and two-time Tony nominee Bob Stillman and Randall Edwards.[23] He directed and choreographed an all-male version of Rodgers and Hart musical comedy, The Boys From Syracuse for Musicals Tonight! Off-Broadway at the Lion Theatre on Theatre Row. John Soltes Interview Rediscovering Rodgers and Hart's "[24]". Jonathan staged Amas Musical Theatre's No Foolin' A Musical Confection. Honoring Tony Award winner, Grammy Award winner, Micki Grant Hosted by Brad Oscar.

Bob Ost, executive director, president, and co-founder of Theatre Resources Unlimited TRU, hired Cerullo to direct their 2018 TRU LOVE benefit honoring John Chatterton, Baayork Lee, and her National Asian Artists Project. The event featured Tony Award winner Priscilla Lopez, Donna McKechnie, and Brenda Braxton. Amas Musical Theatre hired Jonathan to write and direct Amas@50 Anniversary Concert.[25] Honorary Chair ~ Whoopi Goldberg, Hosted by Lillias White and featuring Leslie Uggams, Vivian Reed, Christopher Jackson actor, Lance Roberts, Len Cariou, N'Kenge, Soara-Joye Ross, Elijah Ahmad Lewis and a Special video appearance by Petula Clark. The gala is honoring Harry Belafonte, Sharleen Cooper Cohen, Donna Trinkoff, and Shelly Berger manager of The Temptations. In 2019 he was made an Artistic Associate at Amas Music Theatre.

He produced the James Parks Morton Interfaith Award honoring Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Bishop Curry in 2019. The event was hosted by Mo Rocca.

2020 Cerullo directed Jen Chapin's Essential Stories. Jen Chapin is the daughter of the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. He also conceived, produced, and directed With Love, Now and Forever! CATSCOVIDRELIEF for Broadway Cares COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund for Actors Fund of America. After 34 years the third National Touring Company of Cats (musical) reunited for this special event hosted by Broadway and TV star Brian Stokes Mitchell and Tom Viola.

He also appears on Stars in the House as well as Broadway Network Podcast[26] Cerullo, in 2021, made his Los Angeles directorial debut at the award-winning theatre, The Blank Theatre with Scott Barry's Hard On Love starring Los Angeles Drama Critics Award-winner Rob Nagle and from RuPaul's Drag Race Brita Filter aka Jesse Havea. Cerullo wrote the script for Amas Musical Theatre's 2021 gala AMAS YOU LOVE, a Heart to Heart Celebration. Directed by Maria Torres, hosted by Justina Machado, and receiving the 2021 Rosie Award was Tony Award-winner Lillias White.

In May he wrote the tribute segment to Sheryl Lee Ralph recipient of Amas Musical Theatre's Rosie Award presented to her by Brian Stokes Mitchell

In December of 2023, Cerullo, an original cast member, directed for the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center of Legs Diamond, the musical, in Concert & Conversation starring original cast members, Brenda Braxton, Bob Stillman, Christine Andreas and Randall Edwards. The musical was written by Peter Allen, Charles Suppon and Harvey Fierstein. The evening was moderated and hosted by Broadway World's Richard Ridge. [27]

Amas Musical Theater's 55-year Benefit Gala honoring Patricia Birch and Len Cariou was directed and staged by Cerullo featuring Lorna Luft, Liz Callaway, Hugh Panaro, and Lee Roy Reams. [28]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Work Result
2016 SoundBites 3.0 - Theatre Now NY - Award of Excellence Best Director Fictitious Won
2016 Fresh Fruit Festival - Director Outstanding Production Design and Outstanding Performance in a Musical CHANCE Won
2018 The Actors Fund - Encore Award Extraordinary Dedication to the Performing Arts Won
2018 Byram Hills Theatre Honors Certificate of Appreciation BHHS Theatre Program Won
2020 Stage Directors and Choreographers President's Award for Extraordinary Service Won
2023 Stage Directors and Choreographers President's Award for Extraordinary Service Won

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Rosenblum, Constance (April 23, 2010). "Pocket-Sized on West 47th Street". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 27, 2010. Jonathan Cerullo
  2. ^ Rosemblum, Constance (March 25, 2013). Habitats: Private Lives in the Big City. NYU Press. p. 256. ISBN 978-0814771563.
  3. ^ "Credits for Cats (Third National Tour, 1986) | Ovrtur". www.ovrtur.com. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  4. ^ League, The Broadway. "Jonathan Cerullo | IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  5. ^ Cerullo, Jonathan (June 2, 2011). "Kay, Oh!". TheatreMania.
  6. ^ "Jonathan Cerullo". IMDb. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  7. ^ League, The Broadway. "Band in Berlin | IBDB: The official source for Broadway Information". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  8. ^ BWW News Desk. "Mandelstam Theater Hosts 'Fool's Paradise'". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  9. ^ Collins, Glenn (October 28, 2003). "PUBLIC LIVES; Creating the Spirit of Carnival in a Tent". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  10. ^ Horiwitz, Simi (December 18, 2013). "Theatre Artists Take on Challenges of the Circus". Backstage.
  11. ^ Cerullo, Jonathan. "Filmography". IMDB.
  12. ^ "Career Transition For Dancers | The Actors Fund". www.actorsfund.org. October 24, 2015. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  13. ^ "Grand Central Centennial Celebration to Feature Cynthia Nixon; Plus Orphan Train Musical, Directed by Patricia Birch | Playbill". Playbill. January 28, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  14. ^ "home". Windywoo and her naughty naughty pets. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  15. ^ BWW News Desk. "WINDYWOO AND HER NAUGHTY PETS Reading Set for NYMF". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  16. ^ "Theatre Now New York – Re-visioning Theatre". www.tnny.org. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  17. ^ "Blog | Page 17 of 32 | Museum of Sex". MoSEX. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  18. ^ "Easter Bonnet 2016 – Broadway Cares". www.broadwaycares.org. Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  19. ^ "Lisa and Leonardo Musical Creatives".
  20. ^ Rizzo, Bob (July 19, 2016). "BWW Interview: Choreographer Jonathan Cerullo on LISA AND LEONARDO at NYMF". broadwayworld.com.
  21. ^ Meena, Evan (July 27, 2016). "Chances are this is a winner". OUTERSTAGE.
  22. ^ COLLINS-HUGHES, LAURA (August 11, 2016). "How 4 Fringe Festival Shows Found Free Rehearsal Space". The New York Times.
  23. ^ 30th Anniversary Reunion Concert
  24. ^ Boys from Syracuse, https://www.hollywoodsoapbox.com/?p=19378
  25. ^ "Amas Musical Theatre's 50th Anniversary Gala set for Mon Apr 1".
  26. ^ Cerullo, Jonathan. "The Wrong Cat Died". Broadway Podcast Network. Retrieved November 26, 2020.
  27. ^ https://www.playbill.com/article/original-cast-of-peter-allens-legs-diamond-reunites-at-new-york-public-library-for-the-performing-arts-december-4
  28. ^ https://playbill.com/article/patricia-birch-and-len-cariou-to-be-honored-at-55th-annual-amas-musical-theatre-benefit-gala
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