Musicals have always been popular, but recently more and more have been released in theaters and on TV. Everything from animated musicals like Sing and Sing 2 and Encanto to Broadway shows that have been brought to screen, like In The Heights and Dear Evan Hansen, have become Hollywood blockbusters. There is just something about immersing yourself in a world of singing and dancing that makes the movie watching experience feel even more special.
One of the biggest names in musical choreography and directing is Kenny Ortega. His career really took off in the 80’s when he was hired by several incredible musicians to choreograph/direct their tours. He has worked with big names like KISS, Olivia Newton-John, Shakira, and The Rolling Stones.
Not only was he highly sought after for concerts, but artists often hired him to help direct and choregraph their music videos. Selena, Cher, Madonna, and Elton John are just a few of the artists he has worked alongside. With such an incredible resume and choreography that speaks for itself, it is no wonder that he has been hired to help with the dancing and directing for musical films and shows over the last few decades. Here are some musicals you may not have known were directed by Kenny Ortega.
8 Kenny Ortega's Introduction Into TV Directing Was "Dirty Dancing"
Kenny Ortega’s breakout job was for the Dirty Dancing television series, which aired from 1988-1989, lasting only one season. Prior to this project, Ortega had primarily been hired to direct and choreograph music videos for artists. He was only hired on for two of the eleven episodes of the show, but it was a great way to break into the world of film and television, as it catapulted him into Hollywood entertainment.
7 "Newsies" Was Kenny Ortega's First Movie
In 1992, Kenny was hired to direct and choreograph the musical film Newsies starring a young Christian Bale. This movie is a fictionalized retelling of what life was like for newsboys in New York in the late 1800’s. While the film itself was not a huge hit after its initial release, it picked up enough traction to eventually make it onto the Broadway stage.
6 Kenny Ortega Directed "Hocus Pocus" A Year Later
A year after the released of Newsies, the beloved Halloween film Hocus Pocus hit theaters. While it may not be considered a traditional “musical,” Kenny Ortega did choregraph the big dance number in the middle of the film, as well as any other dancing that can be seen throughout. The audience received this movie with much more love and praise than his previous work.
5 Kenny Ortega Worked On All 3 "High School Musical" Movies
The first and second High School Musical movies went straight to television in 2006 and 2007, respectively, while High School Musical 3: Senior Year was released in theaters a year later. Following stars Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, along with a talented supporting crew, Kenny Ortega choreographed the dance sequences throughout all three movies, as well as sitting in the director’s chair.
4 "The Cheetah Girls 2" Was Kenny Ortega's Next Disney Venture
The same year that High School Musical was released, we also had The Cheetah Girls 2 grace our screens. The first movie was directed by Oz Scott, however when the sequel began filming and Kenny Ortega stepped in as the new director and choreographer. This film, along with HSM, solidified his relationship with the Disney franchise and opened up a world for him to continuously direct and choregraph for their studio’s productions.
3 Kenny Ortega Directed The Michael Jackson Special "This Is It"
Not marked as a traditional musical, Michael Jackson: This Is It is definitely an honorable mention. Ortega has a previous relationship with the iconic performer Michael Jackson, as he helped conceive the idea, direct, and choregraph two of his tours in 1992-1993 and 1996-1997 (“Dangerous” and “HIStory,” respectively). He was also hired as the creative director for the televised Michael Jackson Memorial after MJ’s passing.
2 All Of The "Descendants" Movies Were Directed By Kenny Ortega
Descendants was a Disney channel original TV movie that released in 2015 centered around the descendants of Disney’s most infamous villains. Not only did he direct this film, but he choreographed all the musical segments for Dove Cameron, Booboo Stewart, Cameron Boyce, and Sofia Carson. In 2017 and 2019, he was also the director/choreographer for both Descendants sequels as well as the music videos Disney released for each movie.
1 Kenny Ortega Helped Direct The Netflix Show "Julie And The Phantoms"
Kenny’s latest job was for the hit Netflix show Julie and the Phantoms. As the show features a ghost rock band and a high schooler with a passion for music, Ortega had lots of room to work. He directed five of the nine episodes and choreographed the dance numbers/concert scenes. On social media he has posted about his close relationship with the cast members and how much he enjoyed the show, leading fans everywhere begging for him to take up the mantel and make a season two.