Meet Matthew Wagner
Choreographer for Kinky Boots at the Duluth Playhouse
Matthew Wagner. Photo submitted.
Matthew Wagners has had a nearly lifelong passion for dance, theater, and teaching. He says he has been fortunate to have had many mentors along the way, starting with Joyce Torvund “for being my first dance teacher and giving me the courage and passion to express myself on stage. She is my greatest influence today, and I honor her in all of my work. If I can be half the teacher she was to me, I'll feel like I've arrived.”
Born and raised in Duluth, he attended East High School for two years before transferring to the Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley, Minnesota. After high school, he went on to Stephens College in Columbia, MD, graduating with a BFA in Dance in 2002.
For the next decade, mostly in New York City, he performed in concert dance and musical theater, including the Revival National Tour of 42nd Street.
Matthew Wagner participating in New York City Tap Festival, Times Square. Photo submitted.
Matthew noted, “42nd Street is a standout to me as I’ve done the show twice. I learned the original Gower Champion choreography and eventually toured the country with the Broadway revival. I saw the country and many of the incredible theatres that are like hidden gems in each town. I even got to perform in Duluth! it was a dream come true!”
The various theater organizations and dance groups he performed with over the years continued to build and enhance his skills and repertoire to go on to teach and choreograph, as well as perform.
Returning home to Duluth, he worked first as a choreographer and adjunct teacher. Since returning, he has choreographed for many area organizations, including the Duluth Playhouse, and Renegade Theater. Lundeen Productions, East High School, Harbor City, and others. In Duluth, he also appeared in Jekyll and Hyde, Pippin, and Titanic for Lundeen Productions.
Matthew as Leading Player in “Pippin”. Photo submitted.
Receiving his MFA in Dance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2019, he began his job at UMD in 2020 and is an Assistant Professor of Dance and Musical Theater. He specializes in jazz, tap, improvisation, and voice and movement. He also choreographs and directs for the department, including “Singing in the Rain” this past spring.
Matthew also noted that one of his colleagues at UMD, Rebecca Katz Harwood, is another mentor. “Rebecca and I originally met at Perpich when she taught a master class in vernacular jazz. Rebecca has made me feel part of the Duluth dance community and the UMD community. She was a member of my thesis committee and supported me through the difficulty of that process, and I could never have gotten through the pandemic at UMD had it not been for her guidance. I have grown so much under her mentorship.”
Matthew Wagner performs in “Cats," at Cumberalnd County Playhouse, TN. Photo submitted.
On his summer break from UMD, Matthew is hard at work choreographing Kinky Boots for the Playhouse. “My goals for Kinky Boots are truly my goals for any show: something that is pleasing/exciting to the eye challenges the cast to grow, and brings something special to our community. And as with any show, to grow my skills as a collaborator, communicator, and choreographer,” he said.
When asked what is challenging about this show, he said, “Creating a dance finale for a cast in stiletto boots. Lord, keep us upright!”
“The process has been wonderful. Phillip Fazio is an innovative director; Ken Ahlberg a skilled musical director; Linda Bray at the keyboard can’t be beat, and the cast has been nothing but open and willing to learn. I have loved every night of rehearsal, and I can’t wait to get it onto the Norshor Stage.”
Matthew thinks that audiences will take away many uplifting messages from this show, including “That we have far more similarities than we do differences, and we can find true joy and self-love in unlikely friendships.”
