American dancer (1937–2021)
Robert Avedisian (December 26, 1937 – January 21, 2021), professionally known as Bob Avian, was an American choreographer, theatrical producer and director.
Biography.
Born in New York City to an Armenian family in December 1937, Avian spent his early career dividing his time between dancing in such Broadway shows as "West Side Story", "Funny Girl", and "Henry, Sweet Henry" and working as a production assistant on projects like "I Do! I Do!" and "Twigs". He first met Michael Bennett when they both appeared in the European tour of "West Side Story" in 1959, and over the course of the next two decades the two collaborated on "Promises, Promises", "Coco", "Company", "Follies", "Seesaw", "God's Favorite", "A Chorus Line", "Ballroom", and "Dreamgirls", Avian's first credit as a solo producer. Additional Broadway credits include "Putting It Together", "Nowhere to Go But Up" and the 2006 revival of "A Chorus Line", which he directed.
In London's West End, Avian choreographed "Follies", "Martin Guerre", "The Witches of Eastwick", "Miss Saigon", and "Sunset Boulevard", repeating the assignment for the Broadway productions of the latter two. He also staged "Hey, Mr. Producer!", the Cameron Mackintosh tribute.
Personal.
Avian was openly gay and survived by his husband Peter Pileski, and his sister, Laura Nabedian.
References.
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