In New York, Mrs. Reinking was a member of the ballet corps at Radio City Music Hall. His first role on Broadway was in the set of “Cabaret” in 1969; continued to appear in “Coco,” starring Katharine Hepburn as Coco Chanel, and “Pippin,” which Fosse choreographed.
Mrs. Reinking acted as Joan of Arc, alongside Joel Gray, in the 1975 musical “Goodtime Charley.” The following year he joined the cast of “A Chorus Line.” He appeared in “Dancin ‘”, a music magazine directed and choreographed by Fosse, from 1978.
When “Dancin’ ”opened, The Times dance critic Jennifer Dunning wrote that Mrs. Reinking had made the leap from the heart line to the lead roles.
“There was no doubt that Miss Reinking had joined the ranks of the brightest stars on Broadway,” Ms. Dunning. “With her long legs, silky hair, flying hair and feline intensity, Ms. Reinking is one of the fastest companies.”
(Fosse said he had choreographed a part of this show, “Trumpet Solo,” just so he could present Ms. Reinking’s leggy extensions).
“Ma’am. Reinking brings the same crunchy, lush energy to whatever you do,” Ms. Dunning wrote.
In 1986, Ms. Reinking starred in the revival of “Sweet Charity.” This production also featured Bebe Neuwirth, who acted alongside Ms. Reinking as Velma Kelly in the rebirth of “Chicago.”
Before the rebirth, said Mrs. Reinking, who had never expected to dance on stage again. But after he initially said no to playing Roxie. Walter Bobbie, who became the show’s director, persisted.