Artist Spotlight: Eddie Bennett
Maplewood resident Eddie Bennett is a diverse and talented choreographer, dancer, and illustrator. Eddie has established himself as a professional international entertainer with over 20 years of working continuously in the theatre industry.
Eddie Bennett
Photo by Andrew Holtz
Raised in Garland, Texas, Eddie was accepted into their local arts magnet school at the age of 12 because of his ability to draw. It was there that he found his true passion, musical theatre. At the age of 17 Eddie moved to New York City and within two months landed in the lap of two well-known choreographers, Barry Lather and Helene Phillips. This was the start of Eddie's journey.
By the age of 20, Eddie had already traveled the world performing, met the love of his life, and landed a role in the touring company of “CHICAGO: The Musical”. In 2005, he was asked to join the Broadway company of “CHICAGO”, where he continues to be a cast member; making 2021, his 21st year with the show.
‘Self Portrait’ by Eddie Bennett
Eddie Bennett on set as choreographer of “Debbie Gibsons Girl’s Night Out” Music Video
In 2006, Eddie became a father and decided to move from Manhattan to Maplewood. In 2008, Eddie became the choreographer for pop star Debbie Gibson. Since that time, he has choreographed for movies, TV, music videos, concerts and tours. Eddie continues to perform, choreograph, and has been asked to teach sold-out workshops across the nation. Eddie is on the roster of Dance Competition Judges and Impact Dance Adjudicators, the first and only service in the dance industry providing professional, experienced, Judges to dance competitions nationwide. Eddie volunteers with Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS, one of the nation's leading industry-based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations, and The Actors Fund which award grants to AIDS service organizations nationwide
Recently, Eddie has co-created the podcast #BookendBaldies and has joined as a co-host of the local Long Island show "The Lounge Channel". During quarantine he and his husband Todd started a live ukulele performance they do twice a week called "Ukulele Wednesday" and "Sunday Ukulele Sing Along" on Facebook. Even with a busy schedule, he always returns to his pencil and paper for sanctuary. He shares a new piece of artwork on social media once a week and is heavily influenced by pop culture. Eddie is multifaceted and a true Renaissance man!
Eddie Bennett at “Chicago” The Musical
“All That Jazz” with Bebe Neuwirth
‘Pride’ by Eddie Bennett
‘Peter And The Mermaids’ by Eddie Bennett
‘Merv’ by Eddie Bennett
‘Amy’ by Eddie Bennett
‘Graceful’ by Eddie Bennett
‘Yzma’ by Eddie Bennett
‘Frida’ by Eddie Bennett
‘Jane No5’ by Eddie Bennett
‘Flo’ by Eddie Bennett
#BookenbdBaldies
Buddy Casimano and Eddie Bennet
Buddy Casimano and Eddie Bennett make up the dynamic and all nonsense duo, #BookendBaldies. Join them as they venture into the ever-popular realm of podcasting…with ABSOLUTELY no experience! They don’t know what they are doing or where they are going…but they plan on having an absolute BLAST getting there.
Snapshot from Bookend Baldies Podcast
"All That Jazz" at Broadway in Bryant Park
Eddie Bennett Teaching a Workshop
Debbie Gibson Video Snap Shot from “Girls Night Out” (Tracy Young #VegasVibe Remix) Official Music Video
Todd and Eddie in a Uke Peformance on FaceBook
Ukulele Cover: The Highwomen - Crowded Table
Eddie dressed in: ”Uke, I’m Your Father”T-Shirt, a Star Wars Reference
Eddie Bennett
Photographer: Leon Le
“Thinking is the biggest mistake a dancer could make. You have to feel.”
Contact Information: eddiebennettchoreographer@gmail.com
Instagram, Twitter and TiKTOK: @euphorian54
Eddie Bennett is a member of SOMA Arts Registry, a free online hub serving Maplewood, South Orange and neighboring towns. It focuses on artists, arts professionals and arts organizations, with the goal to extend their local, regional and national market reach. SOMA Arts Registry was created by the Township of Maplewood and Maplewood Division of Arts & Culture to support the local arts community.