Michael Bennet

Michael Bennet was born April 8, 1943. He was a director, choreographer, and dancer throughout his life. He started his life on stage as the character of Baby John in West Side Story on the U.S. and European tours. On Broadway, he began as a dancer in Subways are for Sleeping, Here's Love, and Bajour in the 60's. His breakout choreaographed show was the unsucessful A Joyful Noise (1966), followed by another failed show Henry, Sweet Henry. But, his luck changed with the show Promises, Promises. For this show he created original dances to Burt Bacharach and Hal David's lively, contemporary score. He then choreographed Katherine Hepburn in Coco (1969), Sondheim's Company (1970), and "Follies" (1971). He choreographed, directed and was the librettest for Seesaw (1973). In 1975, he choreographed and directed his huge hit A Chorus Line. His only other major hit was Dreamgirls (1981). After these shows he worked with various projects until moving to Tucson, Arizona. He remained in Arizona until he died of AIDS in 1987.