Tommy Tune
by Claire J Rottenberg
Although Tommy Tune has become an extremely
successful Broadway musical performer, director and
choreographer, his first big break was in the movie
musical, "Hello Dolly." Tune's role
in that film showcased his exceptional dancing
talent, but it took four more years for him to
achieve success. In 1973, he starred in and was the
associate choreographer for the Broadway musical,
"Seesaw." Tune won his first of nine Tony
awards for his performance in "Seesaw."
Since that show, Tune has directed and/or
choreographed at least 10 Broadway musicals,
including his one man show, "Tommy Tune
Tonight."
Tune has won Tony awards in four categories: Best
Featured Actor in a Musical ("Seesaw"),
Best Direction of a Musical (3 time winner), Best
Choreography (3 time winner), and Best Actor in a
Musical (1983, "My One and Only").
Even though Tune's first break came in a movie
musical, he appeared in only one other movie -
"The Boyfriend" in 1971.