Ballerina Misty Copeland heading to Broadway’s ‘On the Town’

Misty Copeland speaks to reporters during a news conference, Tuesday, June 30, 2015, in New York. The Missouri-born dancer who has become a forceful voice for diversity in ballet and a rare celebrity in that field, was named principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre on Tuesday — the first African-American ballerina to achieve that status in the company's 75-year history. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

By Associated Press July 5, 2015 3 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – Ballerina Misty Copeland, who just became the first African-American woman to be a 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 Sunday that Copeland will join the show from Aug. 25 to Sept. 6, playing Miss Turnstiles, a love interest for one of three sailors enjoying a few hours of shore leave in 1940s New York.

“I don’t know if I know what I’m in for. It’s going to be a huge challenge for me. It’s quite a departure from what I’m used to. But I love a challenge and I think it’s going to help me grow as an artist,” Copeland said.

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.

“I can carry a tune. We’ll see what happens,” she said. “I’m excited. I’m a Virgo and we’re a little bit anal and we’re definitely hard workers, so I’m going to put my all into this.”