Gwen Verdon, American actress and dancer (d. 2000)

Gwyneth Evelyn "Gwen" Verdon (January 13, 1925 – October 18, 2000) was an extraordinary American actress and dancer whose unparalleled talent and captivating stage presence left an indelible mark on Broadway and the world of musical theatre. Renowned for her remarkable versatility, sharp comedic timing, and sensual yet precise dance technique, Verdon became one of the most celebrated performers of her era, embodying the very spirit of iconic musical comedy roles.

A Luminous Career on Broadway

Gwen Verdon's illustrious career spanned decades, during which she was a critically acclaimed performer on Broadway throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Her unique ability to combine dynamic dance with compelling character acting earned her widespread admiration and numerous accolades, solidifying her status as a true theatrical legend.

Tony Award-Winning Performances

Verdon's exceptional talent was formally recognized with four prestigious Tony Awards for her leading performances in musical comedies. These awards underscored her dominance and profound impact on the American stage:

• 1954: Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her breakout role as Claudine in Can-Can, where her electrifying "Garden of Eden" dance number captivated audiences and critics alike.
• 1956: Best Actress in a Musical for her unforgettable portrayal of Lola, the seductive demon, in Damn Yankees. This role showcased her unique blend of vampish allure and comedic flair, establishing her as a bona fide Broadway star.
• 1958: Best Actress in a Musical for her nuanced performance as Anna Christie in New Girl in Town, a musical adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's play, demonstrating her dramatic range alongside her dancing prowess.
• 1966: Best Actress in a Musical for originating the title role of Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity. This character, an eternally optimistic dance hall hostess, became one of her signature roles, perfectly melding her comedic gifts with poignant vulnerability.

Originating Iconic Roles

Beyond her Tony wins, Verdon originated many of musical theatre's most memorable characters, defining them for generations of performers and audiences:

• Lola in Damn Yankees (1955): As mentioned, her portrayal of the devil's temptress was iconic, famously declaring "Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets." Her performance brought a sensuous and comedic energy that was groundbreaking for its time.
• Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity (1966): Directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, this role highlighted Verdon's unparalleled ability to convey complex emotions through dance and song, making Charity's hopeful spirit enduringly relatable despite constant disappointments.
• Roxie Hart in Chicago (1975): In this dark, satirical musical, Verdon brought to life the ambitious, publicity-hungry murderess Roxie Hart. Her performance, opposite Chita Rivera's Velma Kelly, was a masterclass in theatrical cynicism and jazz-age glamour, initially facing mixed reviews but later becoming a celebrated classic, particularly through its massively successful revival.

Beyond the Spotlight: Choreographic Influence

While celebrated primarily as a performer, Gwen Verdon's contributions extended significantly behind the scenes. She frequently served as an uncredited choreographer's assistant and specialty dance coach for various theatre and film productions. This vital work involved not only assisting in the creation of dance numbers but also meticulously refining performances, ensuring stylistic integrity, and helping actors fully embody the complex choreographic visions, particularly those of her future husband, Bob Fosse. Her deep understanding of movement and character made her an invaluable asset in the development of groundbreaking theatrical pieces.

The Bob Fosse & Gwen Verdon Collaboration: A Theatrical Partnership

Gwen Verdon's artistic identity is profoundly intertwined with that of her second husband, the legendary director-choreographer Bob Fosse. Their professional and personal relationship, which began when Fosse choreographed Damn Yankees, blossomed into one of Broadway's most dynamic partnerships. Verdon became his primary dancer, collaborator, and muse, uniquely interpreting and popularizing his distinctive choreographic style characterized by hunched shoulders, turned-in knees, jazz hands, and precise, often suggestive movements. Fosse often tailored roles specifically for Verdon, making her the ultimate embodiment of his groundbreaking artistic vision. Their joint efforts produced some of the most influential musicals of the 20th century, including the aforementioned Damn Yankees, Sweet Charity, and Chicago, setting new standards for dance and storytelling on Broadway.

Guardian of a Theatrical Legacy

Following Bob Fosse's untimely death in 1987, Gwen Verdon took on the crucial responsibility of safeguarding and perpetuating his extraordinary artistic legacy. She became the principal guardian of his work, dedicating herself to ensuring his unique choreographic style and theatrical genius would endure for future generations. Her efforts were instrumental in:

• Overseeing the highly successful 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago, which, under her meticulous guidance, accurately re-staged Fosse's original choreography and went on to become one of Broadway's longest-running musicals, introducing his work to a new generation.
• Co-conceiving and contributing significantly to the development of Fosse, the critically acclaimed 1999 Broadway musical revue that showcased the breadth and brilliance of Bob Fosse's choreography. This production won the Tony Award for Best Musical, largely due to Verdon's unwavering commitment to authenticity and detail.
• Working closely with dancers and choreographers to maintain the integrity of Fosse's distinctive movement vocabulary, ensuring his work was performed with the precision and nuance he originally intended, thereby preserving a vital part of American dance history.

Gwen Verdon's life and career serve as a testament to her profound impact on American musical theatre, not only as an exceptional performer but also as a dedicated preserver of artistic genius. Her legacy continues to inspire dancers, actors, and choreographers worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gwen Verdon

Who was Gwen Verdon and what was her main contribution to theatre?

Gwen Verdon was a celebrated American actress and dancer (1925-2000) renowned for her captivating performances in musical comedies. Her main contribution was defining iconic Broadway roles like Lola in Damn Yankees and Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity, earning her four Tony Awards. She also significantly contributed behind the scenes as an uncredited choreographer's assistant and was crucial in preserving Bob Fosse's choreographic legacy.

How many Tony Awards did Gwen Verdon win and for what productions?

Gwen Verdon won four Tony Awards for Best Performance by a Featured Actress or Actress in a Musical. These awards were for her roles in Can-Can (1954), Damn Yankees (1956), New Girl in Town (1958), and Sweet Charity (1966).

What iconic Broadway roles did Gwen Verdon originate?

Among her most iconic originated roles were Lola in Damn Yankees, the title character Charity Hope Valentine in Sweet Charity, and Roxie Hart in Chicago. Each role showcased her unique blend of dance, comedy, and dramatic depth, often tailor-made to her specific talents by choreographers like Bob Fosse.

What was the significance of Gwen Verdon's collaboration with Bob Fosse?

Gwen Verdon and director-choreographer Bob Fosse had one of Broadway's most influential artistic partnerships. Verdon served as Fosse's primary muse and interpreter, embodying his distinctive choreographic style which included signature elements like hunched shoulders and precise, sensual movements. Their collaborations on shows like Damn Yankees, Sweet Charity, and Chicago helped define a revolutionary era in musical theatre.

How did Gwen Verdon help preserve Bob Fosse's legacy after his death?

After Bob Fosse's death in 1987, Gwen Verdon dedicated herself to preserving his work. She played a pivotal role in overseeing the successful 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago, ensuring the authenticity of Fosse's original choreography. She also co-conceived and contributed to the Tony Award-winning musical revue Fosse (1999), which celebrated his choreographic genius and ensured his unique artistic vision would continue to be performed accurately.