Meet Gary Thomas | Entertainment Producer, Director, and Choreographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gary Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I was born to do it. Entertainment is in my DNA. Since the age of 4 or 5, I’ve been mesmerized by everything on TV or in a movie that involved dancing, singing, and performing. My older sisters were in dance class and one day at the studio I was watching them and I said I want to do that. I started with jazz and tap classes, followed by drum and vocal lessons.
When I was 13 I auditioned for West Side Story at a local dinner theatre. That was my first professional gig. I think I made $45 a week. I was cast as an “ensemble.” The show ran for 3 months. And, I got to leave school early on Wednesdays because we had a matinee. At 13 I got a crash course in what it takes to mount a professional theatre show. I was hooked. I was ready to leave school and move to NY. Of course, I had to wait till after I graduated High School.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I knew at a very young age that I would be in entertainment. So, the first part of my career is about performing. I’m a dancer, actor, and singer. so musical theatre is where I started. My theatre credits include Guys & Dolls, 42nd St, A Chorus Line, and Oklahoma. Along the way, I discovered what they call Revue Shows, Dance Industrials, and Corporate Industrials. Dancing was always my strongest passion and my strongest talent so I began moving away from theatre. I danced for Disney World in Florida. I sailed the seas with Celebrity Cruise Lines onboard their Horizon ship. And, I spent a year in Shanghai performing in an American Dance Show called Red Hot. Eventually, I landed a show in Las Vegas. Legends in Concert. One of the longest-running shows in Vegas.

Some of the best parts of my career have been traveling. My career has taken me to places I never thought I’d go. I’ve lived in other countries. I’ve lived on an International Cruise Ship. And, I’ve been able to travel extensively around the US.

The challenging part can be the downtime. You can be on a string of gigs, nailing auditions, working non-stop, and then…nothing. So, you have to keep the faith and stay focused. Keep training. Keep learning.
A few years ago I transitioned to part two of my career. Now, I produce, direct, and choreograph live shows and events. While in Vegas I directed/choreographed BITE, A Vampire Rock Show, Monster Circus, Exotique, and Ooh La La, a fun burlesque show at the Paris Hotel. I was the entertainment director for Krave, the first gay nightclub on the Las Vegas Strip. And I created corporate dance shows for General Motors of Latin America.

My latest creation is WHISKEY, a sexy and immersive live show that combines cabaret, club, and rock music. WHISKEY features a dynamic cast of performers. My next show is on Friday, April 26, at Hotel Ziggy on Sunset.
Click the link for tickets: https://link.dice.fm/Z0d5a0c7baec

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well…you have to go to the beach. A drive along the coast (if you’ve never done it) is amazing and breathtaking., especially as the sun is setting.

The Rose Cafe on Rose Street in Venice is very cool. Great food, mimosas, and atmosphere.

The Hollywood Bowl for a show is wicked. You’re outside watching your favorite band or pop star. The Bowl is iconic and a must-see if you’re spending the week in LA.

I’m a gay man so West Hollywood is the place to party. You can walk from one venue to the next. Gym Sports Bar and Grill is a cool place to hang out with friends. Good food and strong cocktails.

For dinner, the Henry on Robertson. My husband and I recently had dinner there. We loved the food and the atmosphere. The staff was amazing. The place has a nice vibe.

And of course, Hotel Ziggy, where my show WHISKEY will be. The space has different types of entertainment throughout the week. Hotel Ziggy has a very cool rock-and-roll vibe. They also serve food so you can spend the evening there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Etta May Smith was my primary dance teacher. I’d been to a few other dance schools but when my mother found Etta’s studio. That’s where the real training began. She cared deeply about her students. She pushed me to be better. To work harder. In my twenties, I met a theatre producer, director, and choreographer named Chuck Hoenes. He also positively shaped my career. He allowed me to teach at his studio. He opened up performing opportunities in the theatre and dance industries.
Chuck and Etta both told it like it was. They didn’t mince words or hold back. I appreciated and respected that. They shaped my work ethic and how I interact with people in my industry. 

Website: https://www.garythomasentertainment.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garythomasentertainment/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garythomasentertainment/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garythomasent

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GaryThomasEntertainment

Other: https://linktr.ee/GaryThomasEntertainment