Ballerina Misty Copeland, who just became the first African-American woman to be named principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, has another breakthrough planned — a debut on Broadway.
Producers of the high-energy revival of On the Town said on Sunday that Copeland will join the show from August 25 to September 6, playing Miss Turnstiles, a love interest for one of three sailors enjoying shore leave in 1940s New York.
The role requires both acting and singing, in addition to plenty of dancing, including a 15-minute ballet at the end. The role is currently filled by Megan Fairchild, a principal dancer at the prestigious New York City Ballet.