The Encores! season ends with a springtime romp, the rarely seen High Button Shoes. Among the show's many treasures was Jerome Robbins' showstopping Act Two opener, choreographed in the slapstick style of Mack Sennett and set to the Jule Styne-Sammy Cahn song "On a Sunday By the Sea." Encores! will deliver its own unique take on one of Robbins' most inspired Broadway dances, and deliver the rest of the show's mayhem - from the Model "T" Ford to the Rutgers football squad - all in high style and with a complete commitment to the chaotic spirit of the original.
Robbins' work for High Button Shoes earned him his first Tony Award, just a year before he joined the New York City Ballet. Styne and Cahn's generally underrated score produced two big song hits of the period, "Papa, Won't You Dance with Me" and "I Still Get Jealous." And Stephen Longstreet's book buoys the show's cheery mayhem with a story not unlike Meredith Willson's The Music Man, concerning the adventures of a traveling con-man caught up in small-town America - in this case, rural New Jersey. Brimming with charm and silliness High Button Shoes is the perfect way to close this Encores! season honoring New York City Center's 75-year musical theater tradition.
Aidan Alberto, who previously charmed audiences as Michael Banks in "Mary Poppins" at MPAC, brings his versatile talents to the cast of "High Button Shoes." more...
Jennifer Allen, who has collaborated with Michael Gruber on the musicals "The Old Dead 5" and "Vegas Organic," both of which have been featured in readings at the York Theatre, brings her creative talents to the cast of "High Button Shoes." more...
Ward Billeisen, who has graced Broadway stages in productions such as Curtains and Fiddler on the Roof, brought his extensive experience to the cast of High Button Shoes, showcasing his versatility honed through roles in both national tours like Chicago and regional performances including West Side Story and Singin' in the Rain. more...
Kevin Chamberlin, known for his Tony-nominated performances in Seussical and The Addams Family, brought his theatrical prowess to High Button Shoes. more...
Colin Cunliffe, who has an extensive Broadway resume including shows like Shucked and Pippin, was also featured in the New York City Center's production of High Button Shoes. more...
Nicholas Cunningham, an accomplished Australian-born performer and choreographer, showcased his talents in High Button Shoes, bringing a wealth of experience from his roles in Broadway's Phantom of the Opera and La Cage aux Folles, as well as his international work with Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake. more...
Taeler Elyse Cyrus, an accomplished dancer with credits including After Midnight on Broadway and performances with Ailey II and The Metropolitan Opera, was thrilled to be part of High Button Shoes. more...
Christine DiGiallonardo, a versatile New York-based vocalist known for her wide-ranging performances, graced the stage in NY City Center's Encores! production of High Button Shoes, showcasing her talent in a series of celebrated musical revivals. more...
Carla Duren, known for her Broadway roles in HAIRSPRAY and 110 IN THE SHADE, brings her versatile talent to the cast of High Button Shoes, having also impressed audiences Off-Broadway in THE FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE and regionally in productions like RUINED, which earned her a SFBATCC award. more...
Ta'Nika Gibson, who has an impressive array of Broadway and regional credits, showcased her talents in City Center Encores!' production of High Button Shoes. more...
Berklea Going, an Indiana University Wells Scholar and rising junior B.F.A. student in musical theatre, brought her talents to the stage in the past with her performance in High Button Shoes, adding to her impressive resume that includes roles at The Muny and a national tour of White Christmas. more...
Chester Gregory, known for his dynamic performances in Broadway hits like Hairspray and Sister Act, brought his vibrant energy to High Button Shoes. more...
Marc Heitzman, who has an extensive background in both national and international tours such as Movin' Out and Man In The Mirror Michael Jackson Tribute, as well as regional performances like Bandstand at Paper Mill Playhouse, brought his diverse talents to the cast of High Button Shoes more...
Mylinda Hull, who played Rose in the Broadway production of "The Nance" in 2012, also garnered acclaim for her portrayal of Miss Adelaide in a regional production of "Guys and Dolls," earning the 2012 IRNE Award for Best Supporting Actress. more...
Marc Koeck, who has showcased his talent in productions such as "West Side Story" and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," was also a part of the cast for "High Button Shoes" at New York City Center. more...
Robin Masella, who has an extensive background in both Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, showcased her talents in "High Button Shoes" at City Center, adding to her impressive repertoire that includes performances in iconic shows such as "Cats" and "Frozen." more...
Skye Mattox, known for her performances in Broadway hits like Carousel and On The Town, also graced the stage in High Button Shoes as part of the Encores! series. more...
Kaitlin Mesh, who has graced Broadway stages in productions like West Side Story, Anything Goes, and Nice Work if You Can Get It, brought her versatile talents to the cast of High Button Shoes more...
George Slotin has showcased his versatile talent in numerous regional productions such as The Music Man and Carousel, and brought his dynamic presence to New York stages in shows like High Button Shoes at City Center Encores! more...
Michael Urie, renowned for his television roles in "Ugly Betty" and "Modern Family," showcased his versatility Off-Broadway in productions like "High Button Shoes," demonstrating his extensive range as a performer. more...
Betsy Wolfe, who has an extensive Broadway and regional theatre background, including performances in "110 in the Shade" and "Wonderful Life," was part of the cast of "High Button Shoes" more...
High Button Shoes FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
He Tried to Make a Dollar
Can't You Just See Yourself?
There Is Nothing Like a Model T
Next to Texas, I Love You
Security
Tango
Bird Watcher's Song
Get Away for a Day in the Country
A Summer Incident
Papa, Won't You Dance with Me?
On a Sunday by the Sea
Bathing Beauty Ballet
You're My Girl
I Still Get Jealous
You're My Boy
Nobody Ever Died for Dear Old Rutgers
The Castle Walk
Bless Our House
Gone Are the Days
I'll Give You One Guess
I'm Betwixt and Between
If Someone Should Ask You
The Innocent Stander-By
Little Pitchers Have Big Ears
Million Dollar Pier
Peanut Butter Sandwiches and Hard Boiled Eggs
She's Right
Too Soon
You're a Sweet Patootie
Know How
The Jimba
Japanese Dance
Russian Dance
That's a-Plenty
On the Banks of the Old Raritan
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