Parents Mary Morales Role Dancer | Name Nicholas Dante Plays Jolson Tonight | |
Born Conrado MoralesNovember 22, 1941New York, New York, U.S. ( 1941-11-22 ) Died May 21, 1991, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States Similar People James Kirkwood Jr, Edward Kleban, Michael Bennett, Marvin Hamlisch, Bob Avian | ||
Nationality Puerto Rican-American | ||
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Nicholas Dante (November 22, 1941 – May 21, 1991) was an American dancer and writer, best known for having co-written the book of the musical A Chorus Line.
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Biography
Born Conrado Morales in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, his early career was spent dancing in the chorus of Broadway musicals such as Applause and Ambassador.
In 1974, he was approached by friend Michael Bennett who invited him to the sessions which led to the basis of material for the book of a musical about Broadway "gypsies", the dancers who serve as a backdrop for the leading performers. Eventually, collaborating with James Kirkwood, Jr., the result was A Chorus Line, which earned him the 1976 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Book of a Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. In particular, the story of Paul, the homosexual Puerto Rican dancer whose early career consisted of working in a drag show, was based primarily on Dante. The actor who originated the role with the famous monologue, Sammy Williams, won a Best Featured Actor in a Musical award in 1976 for the role. Dante played the role himself later on.
He authored a screenplay, Fake Lady, and a stage musical based on the life of entertainer Al Jolson entitled Jolson Tonight, but never again achieved the success he did with A Chorus Line.
Death
Dante died on May 21, 1991, aged 49, from AIDS-related complications in New York City.