Lainie Sakakura

NYC based freelance director, award winning choreographer (2015 Joe A. Callaway Award and 2002 Joseph Jefferson Award), librettist, Tony nominated co-producer with Theatre Producers of Color. Broadway: SUFFS (co-producer w/TPOC), CABARET (co-producer w/TPOC), FOSSE (dance reconstruction & onstage dance captain)1999 Tony Award Best Musical, and original cast member of 6 Broadway shows including CHITA RIVERA THE DANCER"S LIFE and 2015 Legacy Robe recipient for THE KING AND I. Director: LIZZIE, TheaterWorks Hartford, CARRIE, HEAD OVER HEELS, and NYC concerts, theatrical events, cabarets, industry readings: Cherry Lane, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, Joyce Theater, Neighborhood Playhouse, Summer Stage Central Park; book/direction CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, musical adaptation of NYT bestseller, 'Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet' by Jamie Ford, Theatre 71; concept/direction/producer ALVIN ING NYC solo shows, Triad & Don't Tell Mama; co-conceived/wrote/additional lyrics BCEFA Red Bucket Follies opening Celebrating 60th Anniversary FLOWER DRUM SONG and Asian Americans On Broadway, New Amsterdam Theatre. Recent choreography: CABARET & GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING, Goodspeed Musicals, THE FROGS, Rose Theater at Jazz Lincoln Center, EASTER BONNET 'National Tours' BCEFA. Extensive Bob Fosse choreography reconstruction work (1994-1999) with Gwen Verdon and Chet Walker. co-choreographer CASPER the Musical starring Chita Rivera. Reconstructed BIG SPENDER starring Ann Reinking & Chita Rivera, Cy Coleman's memorial, Majestic Theatre. Verdon Fosse Legacy Reconstructor/Director/Teacher. Longtime advocate for diversity and inclusion in the performing arts, producing and directing 40 multicultural shows. Co-founder/co-chair: ROCKETTES OF COLOR ALUMNAE and SAKACHEZ® fiscally sponsored through New York Live Arts. Adjunct professor NYU Tisch NSB and guest artist at 13 universities.