BWW Interviews: Denis Jones, Choreographer of THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, Shares Impressive Career

Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey opens its production of Thoroughly Modern Millie on April 10^th, and the show runs until May 5^th. Denis Jones, the show's choreographer, has a major artistic influence on the much anticipated revival.

Jones grew up in San Francisco where he began his dance studies. He then moved to New York to study acting at NYU. It was the sum of these experiences that gave Jones the unique ability to act on Broadway and be a successful choreographer.

Denis Jones has had excellent mentors like Jeff Calhoun, Tommy Tune, Ann Reinking, and Rob Marshall. He found one of his most important influences to be Jerry Mitchell and became his associate for a number of years. Jones met Mitchell when he was in the chorus of his first Broadway show, Grease; he continued working with him for 15 years in five more shows. In fact, Jones is co-directing the Abbott Awards that honor Jerry Mitchell in May.

Paper Mill Playhouse has been a special venue for Denis Jones. Thoroughly Modern Millie is the sixth show that he has choreographed there. His previous shows at the theater include the hits, Smokey Joe's Café, The Full Monty, High School Musical, and Meet Me in Saint Louis.

Denis Jones' close relationship with Paper Mill's Artistic Director Mark Hoebee began when they first worked together on an Actor's Fund Concert of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. As he said, "We really hit it off." Mark Hoebee is directing the Paper Mill Playhouse's production of "Millie." Jones points out that Hoebee and his staff run Paper Mill Playhouse with incredible warmth and style.

Denis Jones has always been a huge fan of the production, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was in the audience on its opening night on Broadway. He choreographed the show with his signature approach. Jones said, "I believe you put together a bunch of performers who you feel can deliver the parts and tell the story and then the choreography follows from there." He also said that he explores dance ability at auditions but it is dancing actors that interest him the most.

Denis Jones has been keenly aware of the talented leading ladies that he has had the pleasure of working with in Paper Mill's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie including Lenora Nemetz who plays Mrs. Meer and Brenda Braxton who plays Muzzie. He said "Choreography may pop up in some unexpected places." He took full advantage of the gifts of these leading ladies and the other members of the talented company.

Denis Jones' impressive career continues as he will direct and choreograph Spamalot for The Muny in Saint Louis. He is also working on the new musicals, Honeymoon in Vegas, Piece of My Heart, and Nerds. With so many incredible achievements behind him, Jones has even more theatrical accomplishments to look forward to.

Photo Credit: Brian Padgett

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