Award-winning Canadian Dancer Selected for 'A Christmas Story' Musical At Northport's (N.Y.) John W. Engeman Theater

    LOS ANGELES, CA, October 28, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Taylor Reardigan, an award-winning, prolific dancer who specializes in competitive Irish dance, has been selected associate choreographer and featured dancer for the John W. Engeman Theater production of "A Christmas Story - The Musical." Directed by Richard Dolce and choreographed by Antoinette DiPietropolo, the show opens Nov. 20 and runs through Jan. 4, 2015 at the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport, N.Y., along Long Island's North Shore.

"I've watched the movie every Christmas and am very excited to be a part of the musical adaptation," said Reardigan, a native of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, who has had dancer roles on NBC's Golden Globe nominated series "The Blacklist" and CBS' "Power." "We're pairing jazz and Broadway style dance with one of the most iconic holiday comedies. I'm excited to bring my experience and passion for dance to the production."

"Taylor has a great skill for story telling through her dancing that always enhances a story," said DiPietropolo, a director and choreographer for many New York and national touring shows including "Nunsense," "Art and Science," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "Hairspray," "With Glee," "Annie" and more. "As a dancer, she elevates every production she has done for me. This show will be motivated movement that will enhance the American classic holiday movie. Technique and humor will make this a successful run."

Based on the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd and set in 1940s Indiana, the story follows 9-year old Ralphie Parker, who wants and schemes for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The play features music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and the book is by Joseph Robinette. The musical has previously ran in Kansas City, Seattle and on Broadway, and had two national tours. It's 2013 national tour received three Tony Award nominations.

The play is adapted from 1983 MGM film directed by Bob Clark and starring Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin and Peter Billingsley.

Dancing since she was 6 years old, Reardigan has collected many awards, accolades and honors including first place finishes at distinguished Irish Dancing Open Championship Qualifiers in Palm Springs, Calif. and in Calgary. She placed 13th at the World Irish Dancing Championships (2009, Belfast, Ireland), 15th at the World Irish Dancing Championships (2008, Glasgow, Scotland), 24th at the National Irish Dancing Championship (2008, Nashville), 7th at the Irish Dancing World Qualifier (Oireachtas, 2008, Edmonton), 8th at the Irish Dancing World Qualifier (Oireachtas, 2007, Vancouver) and 8th at the Irish Dancing World Qualifier (Oireachtas, 2006, Victoria, BC).

Reardigan performed as lead dancer in theatrical productions of "Leaps and Bounds" and "High School Musical" produced by Victoria Performing Arts, and again in St. Francis' production of "High School Musical." Reardigan was lead dancer/tap choreographer for the ACT Productions play, "The Homecoming." Her stage credits as an Irish dancer include in Heritage Festival Association's "Heritage Days," Shumka's "Shumka" show, the Jubilee Auditorium's "Jubilee" event and AMDA's "SHHHH."

On Television, Reardigan has danced in critical roles for Shaw Communication's "Global News," City TV's "Breakfast Television" and Bell Globe Media's "CTV."

Reardigan will also perform in New York City's internationally renowned Big Apple Circus next September. Collaborating again with DiPietropolo, Reardigan's talents will be showcased in a complete Irish dancing act.

For more information, visit www.backstage.com/taylorreardigan,
www.engemantheater.com and follow Taylor on Twitter: @Tstylendance.

Taylor Reardigan is an award-winning dancer from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

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