Nancy Gregory
Nancy Jean Gregory | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | August 13, 2020 | (aged 71)
Occupations |
|
Notable work | Jambalaya, the Musical |
Awards | BroadwayWorld New Orleans Awards |
Nancy Jean Gregory (February 27, 1949 – August 13, 2020) was an American writer, choreographer, producer, and director. Over a five‑decade career, she created and staged hundreds of theatrical and multimedia productions.[1][2]
Early life and education
Nancy Jean Gregory was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on February 27, 1949. She later relocated to Los Angeles, where she lived for much of her life.
Gregory held a master's degree in ballet and taught dance at the University of California, Los Angeles. During her career, she performed with artists including Gene Kelly, Juliet Prowse, Lucie Arnaz, and Ann Miller. She also appeared in the film Winter Kills.[3]
Career
Gregory began working professionally in choreography and theatrical production in the 1970s. She directed, produced, wrote, and choreographed hundreds of stage presentations, large‑scale musicals, international corporate events, sporting ceremonies, television specials and films.[4] Her work spanned major cities and countries worldwide including Los Angeles, Tokyo, Las Vegas, Paris, New York, Moscow, England, Germany, Italy, and Australia.
She also contributed to major sporting events such as the Super Bowl and music video productions such as Michael Nesmith's Grammy-winning video special Elephant Parts, as well as music videos for The Motels, Kim Carnes, and Cameo.[5]
In the 1980s, Gregory was known in Los Angeles for her dance‑fashion shows and aerobics‑themed programming[6][7][8], active in both entertainment and community events.[9][10]
Jambalaya, the Musical
In 2016, Gregory wrote, directed and choreographed Jambalaya, the Musical, a Louisiana‑themed stage production celebrating Cajun and Creole heritage.[11] The musical premiered at the Orpheum Theatre in New Orleans on November 30, 2016.[12][13][14]
Kennard Ramsey served as the musical director and composer of the production. Jeff Barry contributed original songs with production parter Clarence Jey with the exception of the finale piece "Put It in The Pot", written by Ramsey and Roxanne Seeman.[15][16]
Awards and recognition
BroadwayWorld New Orleans Awards
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2018 | Jambalaya, the Musical | Best direction of a musical | Won |
References
- ^ "The Lure of the Camera, the Roar of the Crowd". The Washington Post. January 21, 1980. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Nancy Gregory Obituary (1949 - 2020) - Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles Times". Legacy.com. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Fall Fantasia Set At Plaza". Coast Dispatch. August 25, 1976. p. 42. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Rodent revue returns for Rochester performances". Post-Bulletin. January 11, 1986. p. 34. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "ThunderCats on the road: Kids' fun a big job By Chris Gladden". The Roanoke Times. October 23, 1987. p. 31. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Inspirational Leader - Choreographer". The Gazette. March 25, 1982. p. 35. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "You can ask these jocks If Aerobics Is For Sissies by Chris Baker, Los Angeles". The Sacramento Bee. May 25, 1982. p. 16. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Zook hearing July 31st". Southern Illinoisan. July 31, 1984. p. 6. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "LA's 'Ewes' spreading cheer abroad". Daily Press. January 2, 1983. p. 14. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Reach for the stars by Bob Batz". Dayton Daily News. March 7, 1986. p. 13. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Jambalaya The Musical DEBUT". Basile Weekly. September 1, 2016. p. 3. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ ""Jambalaya, The Musical" to Premiere with Seven-Day New Orleans Run". OffBeat Magazine. November 4, 2016. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Mixing it Up for Jambalaya at cast party". The Daily Advertiser. September 11, 2016. pp. D8. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Professional debut - Deshotel dancing in Jambalaya, the Musical at Heyman Center By Darrel LeJeune". Basile Weekly. September 1, 2016. p. 1. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ "Musical hosts information workshops by Herman Fuselier". The Daily Advertiser. August 21, 2016. pp. A9. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ Rickard, Mary. "Review: Jambalaya: The Musical". Gambit. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ Henry, Alan. "Winners Announced for the 2018 BroadwayWorld New Orleans Awards". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved August 6, 2025.