Ann Reinking, the Tony-winning actress, singer, dancer, and choreographer, died Saturday at 71.
Her manager, Lee Gross,confirmed her deathto the Associated Press.
Ann was the heart of our family and the life of the party."
Credit: Everett Collection
The family added, “Heaven has the best choreographer available now.
I’m sure they are dancing up a storm up there!
Annie, we will love and miss you always!!!”
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Reinking was beloved for her skills as a triple threat on stage and screen.
In the 1996 revival, she reprised the role and won the Tony for Best Choreography.
(That production was still running until Broadway’s COVID-19 shutdown.)
Reinking also helped create the musicalFosse, a showcase of the legendary choreographer’s work.
She moved to New York City at 18, dancing in the ballet corps at Radio City Musical Hall.
As his new muse, Reinking stepped into Verdon’s shoes in more ways than one.
“I know he has a reputation for being abusive, but he’s not.
It doesn’t matter.
It’s that important that it existed at all.”
She maintained a relationship with the musical, choreographing a 1995 ABC television movie version.
She basically fell into her second go at playing Roxie Hart on Broadway.
She agreed to reprise the role when producers could not find anyone they thought suitable.
“Our hearts are broken.
We are still is shock by her sudden passing,” theChicagoteam said in a statement.
“The American theater has lost one of its brightest stars.
She left us too soon, but her artistry will endure and be shared for generations to come.
Our hearts and thoughts are with them during this time.”
Reinking is survived by her husband, Peter Talbert, and son Chris.
This story has been updated with a statement from the producers ofChicago.
