Rocco began his career in New York City at age 16, directing and producing a revival of Henry, Sweet Henry, first performed at the Mercer Arts Center and later at The Lambs Theatre. Most recently, he created the musical staging for The Wizard of Oz, starring Roseanne, Eartha Kitt and Mickey Rooney at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden and co-wrote the Off-Broadway revue Streakin!
Rocco staged the world premieres of What A Glorious Feeling (Mason Street Warehouse in Saugatuck, MI), Yankee Doodle Dandy (U.S. tour), Born of a Dream (National Theatre in D.C., Kodak Theatre in L.A.), Galaxy Express 999 (the Japanese Sci-Fi musical produced by ArtsSphere/Mitsubishi—also on TV), Doin' What Comes Naturally (Shaw Theatre, London), and Rock & Roll Christmas (a show he wrote with Albert Evans and Frank Kelly).
His reconceived version of Singin' in the Rain has been performed all over the world including the Tokyo premiere at the Nissay Theatre (Shochiku Co.). Rocco is a two time recipient of The Connecticut Critics' Circle Award and an L.A. Ovation Award nominee.
"Jamie was selected, among other reasons, for his highly developed collaborative instincts," said Ordway Center president and CEO David Galligan. "He is a theatre professional, but he has a deep respect for the classical art forms. He is looking forward to developing co-productions and co-sponsorships with the resident arts organizations as well as many other local and national performing arts presenters and producers. He will be an active participant in Ordway Center's Elephant Eye Theatrical, 5 Cent Productions, and Independent Presenters Network and other national partnerships."
In addition to presenting tours, Ordway is committed to producing (with partners) new works for the stage. Rocco was interim artistic director of Stage One, A Theatre For New Musical Development. Prior to that he was producing/artistic director of Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and founding artistic director of Mandance. In 1999, he directed 21 for the 21st, a short film celebrating George Abbott and 20 other SDF Award winning directors.
More information on Jamie Rocco, who joined the Ordway staff Jan. 9, 2006, can be found at jamierocco.com.
*
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts opened Jan. 1, 1985. Each year Ordway Center presents and produces productions in its Performance Season; comprehensive, multicultural performing arts programs in its Planet Ordway Target season; and serves approximately 40,000 children and adults in its Education at Ordway Center programs.
In addition, each year Ordway Center hosts and presents the Flint Hills International Children's Festival, with international performing arts geared toward the Midwest's youngest audience members and their families. Ordway Center provides a home for three Resident Arts Organizations: The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Minnesota Opera, and The Schubert Club. Ordway Center sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment serving students grades 9-12, which opened September 2005. During the 2004-2005 season, Ordway Center served an audience of more than 340,000 from throughout the Midwest.
For more information visit www.ordway.org.
