DI_broadway_MAINBy Mary Callahan of Dance Informa

We need more Lori Ann Ferreri’s in show business.  She’s the kind of dancer choreographers hope to work with, the kind of performer that always strives to be better, and the kind of triple threat you love to watch on stage.  If you don’t know Lori Ann, you’ll want to.  She has been working professionally since she was just sixteen years old and will keep working, I believe, for her entire life.  What’s more, she’s humble, down-to-earth, and wise beyond her years.

Last week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lori Ann to discuss her latest project, the Broadway revival ofOn the Town. I watched Lori Ann walk up 51st Street to our little café table.  Dressed in a short black romper with a fedora on her brown bobbed head, she had typical Lori Ann pep in her step and twinkle in her eye.

Lori Ann began dancing at age three in Clifton, New Jersey—just twenty minutes outside of New York City.  As a teenager, she would finish her high school studies by noon and then take the train to class at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway.  Her brother, JP, soon started dancing as well and also pursued a professional career (Hairspray film, Broadway’s Newsies).  While her teachers continuously pressured her to pursue ballet, after seeing The Will Roger’s Follies on Broadway Lori Ann’s heart belonged to musical theater.

At just sixteen AC Ciulla cast Lori Ann in the ensemble of the first national tour of Footloose.  Still in high school, Lori Ann had to finish her academics on the road and took a short vacation from the tour to walk at her graduation.

After Footloose came the first national tour of Aida and three years in Wicked on Broadway.

Read more about Lori Ann Ferreri here!