This crowd-thrilling musical at Millburn’s iconic Paper Mill Playhouse blends hip-hop, ballroom, Broadway talent, and a powerful message — perfect for a weekend culture fix that’ll leave you clapping in your seat.
Looking for a weekend plan that’s bursting with energy, inspiration, and a little bit of that Broadway magic? Look no further than Take the Lead, a bold and beautifully choreographed original musical lighting up the stage at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ — and it’s only here until April 27.
Based on the 2006 film starring Antonio Banderas, Take the Lead brings a fresh and vibrant twist to the stage with a unique dance fusion that combines slick hip-hop footwork with classic ballroom elegance — and yes, it’s as fun to watch as it sounds.
At the musical’s premiere, the theater was electric. The crowd? Packed with high schoolers from across the area — about 1,000 free tickets were handed out to local students, and their energy filled the space. There were cheers, laughter, applause, and unfiltered joy as the talented cast spun, stomped, and grooved their way through a story that’s as meaningful as it is entertaining.
⭐ Broadway Talent, Big Moves, and Bigger Inspiration
This isn’t just another jukebox musical. The creative team behind Take the Lead reads like a who’s-who of theater choreography and performance:
- Jennifer Weber (& Juliet) and Maria Torres (So You Think You Can Dance) deliver show-stopping choreography that blends street style with old-school formality in a totally fresh way.
- The cast features powerhouse performers like:
- Adrienne Bailon-Houghton (formerly of 3LW and The Cheetah Girls)
- Vincent Jamal Hooper (Hamilton, The Lion King)
- Savy Jackson (Bad Cinderella)
- Tam Mutu (Moulin Rouge! The Musical)
- Matthew Risch (Modern Family, How to Get Away With Murder)
But Take the Lead is more than just flash and flair — at its heart, it’s a story about transformation through the arts.
💃 The Real Story Behind the Musical
Take the Lead is inspired by the true story of Pierre Dulaine, a professional ballroom dancer who brought his passion into NYC public schools, teaching dance as a tool for building confidence, self-respect, and unity among young students. His Dancing Classrooms program has since touched the lives of more than 700,000 students around the world.
At the premiere, Dulaine himself received a standing ovation — a reminder that dance can truly be life-changing.
🎟️ Want to See It? Here’s How to Make It Happen
If this sounds like your kind of weekend outing, Paper Mill Playhouse is making it easier than ever to see the show. They’ve rolled out several budget-friendly ticket options:
- $20 Student Tickets
- $30 Under-30 Tickets
- Discounts for veterans, military personnel, educators, first responders, and individuals in state-assistance programs.
Whether you’re planning a night out with friends, a date night, or an inspiring family outing, this is the kind of theater experience that sticks with you. Tickets are available at papermill.org — but don’t wait too long. With buzz building and the final show on April 27, seats are sure to go fast.
📍 Make It a Whole Millburn Day
Located in charming downtown Millburn, Paper Mill Playhouse is steps from cozy cafés, cool restaurants, and boutique shops. It’s the perfect town to grab a bite before or after the show — or stroll through the spring air and soak in that downtown New Jersey charm.
🎬 Bottom Line: Take the Lead is the show to catch this spring. High-octane dance, killer performances, and an inspiring true story all come together in a show that’s just as entertaining for teens as it is for grown-up theater lovers. Don’t miss your chance to see this blend of hip-hop and ballroom brilliance while it’s still lighting up the Paper Mill stage.