David Connolly

David Connolly performed on Broadway at age 19 and has since become one of the most highly sought-after Director / Choreographers in the country. Most notable feature film credit is as choreographer of Deepa Mehta’s "Bollywood/Hollywood". He made his television mark by being the choreographer and one of the directors of three seasons of the CBC / Playhouse Disney Series, “The Doodlebops”, as well as for both National “Doodlebops Live!” Tours, their music videos and their appearance on the Disney World Christmas Special with Beyonce.
 
While living in Los Angeles, David worked for ABC - "Me and My Shadows: The Judy Garland Story" (Assistant Choreographer), NBC - "The Miss America Pageant" (Associate Choreographer, Emmy Award for Choreography) for three years and CBS - The Jerry Lewis Telethon as well as Choreographer for Holland America, P&O and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines; and for Harrah's and Luxor Casinos.

Connolly was Resident Director/Choreographer for the Mirvish production of the West End’s “The Rat Pack” and has been Director/Choreographer of of “The King and I”, "Crazy For You", “Urinetown”, “Dames At Sea”, "Baby", "Chess", “Leader of the Pack”, “Anne of Green Gables” and the soon to be famous “Mother Goose”!

He has choreographed numbers for musical artists including Sarah Brightman (Canadian Launch of ‘Harem’), Patti LaBelle, kd lang, Eartha Kitt, Brandi, Jody Whatley, Deborah Cox, Geri 'Ginger Spice' Halliwel, Chicago - The Band and Jennifer Holiday.

In addition to a solo CD project whose proceeds go to benefit The Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2006 marked David’s 10th year as Co-Producer / Choreographer of MAC Viva Glam’s Fashion Cares. His ongoing commitment to charity work has also included "Naked Spin", the pre-show to Elton John's APLA Benefit Concert at The Universal Amphitheater; “The Ribbon of Life” in Las Vegas; the Pride Ball with Chaka Khan in support of Pride Toronto; The “Red Ball” with Jai Rodriguez for CANFAR, being one of the inaugural Producers of The Stratford Festival’s “Night For Life" and for the closing ceremonies of "The Greater Las Vegas Inner City Games" to benefit inner city youth.

He is the recipient of a Tyrone Guthrie Award as a member of the Stratford Acting Company and the Premier of Ontario's Award for excellence in his profession and commitment to his community as well as an adjunct professorship of Music Theatre from his alma mater, Sheridan College.

Resume (pdf)

Media Quotes:

The King and I:

“Director and Choreographer David Connolly’s jewelbox production shines… pretty as a picture, as if in a dream from the past. Nowhere is this more evident than in the famous second-act ballet as a brilliant array of Connolly’s choreographic talents become a hypnotic swirl of eastern images… take in The King and I for this sequence alone.” – Peter Birnie, The Vancouver Sun

Crazy For You:

“I rate this in the must-see category… Director Connolly makes sure the play moves at a rapid pace with song and dance numbers that evolve with fluidity… something not accomplished by the original production.” – Danny Gaisin, Oakville Today

Dames At Sea

“Dazzling choreographic wizardry provided by Connolly recalls the big Hollywood musical of the 1930’s… pure genius.” The Wellington Advisor

Me and My Shadows

“Every detail in this simmering musical biography registered… dead-on recreations of Garland’s concerts.” Robert Bianco, USA Today