From Ballet to Broadway will take place April 27 at Symphony Space at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre. The evening will feature rarely-seen television and film clips.
Wheeldon will talk about his career as a young dancer in the U.K.'s Royal Ballet and later at New York City Ballet. He became the company's first resident choreographer and after garnering critical acclaim for his work Polyphonia, went on to tour and work internationally. He made his Broadway debut with Sweet Smell of Success in 2002.
Rita Moreno's credits include Broadway's The Ritz and the classic film version of "West Side Story," for which she was awarded an Oscar and Golden Globe. Her other film credits include "Singing in the Rain," "The King and I" and "Marlowe."
Honorary hosts of the reception are Wendy Whelan and John Lithgow.
An American in Paris officially opened on Broadway on April 12 following previews that began March 13 and a world premiere in Paris. The musical is adapted from the 1951 classic film with music and lyrics and Ira and George Gershwin and a book a new book by Craig Lucas. The Peter Jay Sharp Theatre is located at 2537 Broadway, at 95th St. For more information and to purchase tickets visit wordsondance.org.