Tony Charmoli

Tony Charmoli (June 11, 1921 – August 7, 2020) was an American dancer, choreographer, and director. He began dancing on Broadway in such shows as Make Mine Manhattan but soon began choreographing for television with Stop the Music in 1949. Charmoli then choreographed dance sequences for the popular Your Hit Parade, winning his first Emmy Award in 1955. He went on to direct and choreograph for some of the biggest stars including Dinah Shore, Lily Tomlin, Danny Kaye, Julie Andrews, Cyd Charisse, Shirley MacLaine, Mitzi Gaynor, and others. On Broadway, Tony choreographed Ankles Aweigh and Woman of the Year with Lauren Bacall. More recently, Charmoli focused his talents on directing for television, where he directed such programs as the famous 1977 production of The Nutcracker starring Mikhail Baryshnikov, which was nominated for two Emmys (neither nomination was for Charmoli, however). He directed and choreographed nearly all of Mitzi Gaynor's television specials in the 1970s as well as two of Shirley MacLaine's. He also worked many times with Sid and Marty Krofft, directing all seventeen episodes of Lidsville and The Bugaloos, respectively, as well as their TV special Fol-de-Rol. He directed the first two years of Star Search, and several years of Circus of the Stars, as well as John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together, winning the Directors Guild Award. Charmoli also directed several Bob Hope specials, more than twenty televised beauty pageants, and the ...

Liberace: A Valentine Special (1979)

Join Liberace in his hot air balloon as he touches down at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada and jumps on stage for a Valentine's Day concert like no other! There's also a tour of the Liberace Museum, his private home and the Queen Mary where Sandy Duncan and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Liberace  •  Sandy Duncan  •  Lola Falana

Join Liberace in his hot air balloon as he touches down at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada and jumps on stage for a Valentine's Day concert like no other! There's also a tour of the Liberace Museum, his private home and the Queen Mary where Sandy Duncan and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Liberace  •  Sandy Duncan  •  Lola Falana

Shirley MacLaine: Gypsy in My Soul (1976)

Musical Special featuring Shirley MacLaine in her tribute to chorus dancers, colloquially known as "gypsies." Produced by Cy Coleman and Fred Ebb, the special uses a self-referential show business plot in which the star rehearses for her television special about ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Shirley MacLaine  •  Lucille Ball

Musical Special featuring Shirley MacLaine in her tribute to chorus dancers, colloquially known as "gypsies." Produced by Cy Coleman and Fred Ebb, the special uses a self-referential show business plot in which the star rehearses for her television special about ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Shirley MacLaine  •  Lucille Ball

Lily: Sold Out (1981)

After taking her successful Broadway show to Las Vegas, Lily Tomlin is faced with a tough decision: soften her act for mass appeal, or keep her material the way she originally intended?  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli  •  Bill Davis
CAST:  Lily Tomlin  •  Jane Fonda  •  Paul Anka  •  Harvey Lembeck

After taking her successful Broadway show to Las Vegas, Lily Tomlin is faced with a tough decision: soften her act for mass appeal, or keep her material the way she originally intended?  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli  •  Bill Davis
CAST:  Lily Tomlin  •  Jane Fonda  •  Paul Anka  •  Harvey Lembeck

Doris Day Today (1975)

America's sweetheart Doris Day offers songs and sketches with some of her famous friends in this smash hit television special from 1975. John Denver and Day sing a few entertaining duets, and funnyman Tim Conway joins in on a couple of skits. Then, Rich Little ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Doris Day  •  John Denver  •  Rich Little  •  Tim Conway

America's sweetheart Doris Day offers songs and sketches with some of her famous friends in this smash hit television special from 1975. John Denver and Day sing a few entertaining duets, and funnyman Tim Conway joins in on a couple of skits. Then, Rich Little ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Doris Day  •  John Denver  •  Rich Little  •  Tim Conway

Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle! The Special Years (2008)

The ultimate collection of song and dance performances from Gaynor's classic network television specials - unseen for three decades - MITZI GAYNOR: RAZZLE DAZZLE! THE SPECIAL YEARS is a new documentary that celebrates a landmark career through new interviews with ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  David Stern
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Kristin Chenoweth  •  Tony Charmoli  •  Carl Reiner

The ultimate collection of song and dance performances from Gaynor's classic network television specials - unseen for three decades - MITZI GAYNOR: RAZZLE DAZZLE! THE SPECIAL YEARS is a new documentary that celebrates a landmark career through new interviews with ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  David Stern
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Kristin Chenoweth  •  Tony Charmoli  •  Carl Reiner

Mitzi & 100 Guys (1975)

Mitzi Gaynor in a song and dance hour with an all-male, star-studded ensemble featuring her main guests Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie) and Jack Albertson (Chico and the Man), plus 28 celebrities as her "Million Dollar Chorus." Songs performed include: ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Jack Albertson  •  Michael Landon  •  Steve Allen

Mitzi Gaynor in a song and dance hour with an all-male, star-studded ensemble featuring her main guests Michael Landon (Little House on the Prairie) and Jack Albertson (Chico and the Man), plus 28 celebrities as her "Million Dollar Chorus." Songs performed include: ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Jack Albertson  •  Michael Landon  •  Steve Allen

The John Davidson Christmas Special (1977)

The host and his family travel back in time to an early 19th century Christmas in England.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  John Davidson  •  Betty White  •  Tim Conway

The host and his family travel back in time to an early 19th century Christmas in England.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  John Davidson  •  Betty White  •  Tim Conway

The Nutcracker (1977)

The Nutcracker is Mikhail Baryshnikov's breathtaking and critcally acclaimed Emmy nominated production. The thisspectacular performance is danced by the magnificent team of Baryshnikov, one of the greatest classical dancers of the century, and Gelsey Kirkland, both ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mikhail Baryshnikov  •  Gelsey Kirkland  •  Gregory Osborne

The Nutcracker is Mikhail Baryshnikov's breathtaking and critcally acclaimed Emmy nominated production. The thisspectacular performance is danced by the magnificent team of Baryshnikov, one of the greatest classical dancers of the century, and Gelsey Kirkland, both ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mikhail Baryshnikov  •  Gelsey Kirkland  •  Gregory Osborne

Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood (2018)

A deliciously scandalous portrait of unsung Hollywood legend Scotty Bowers, whose bestselling memoir chronicled his decades spent as sexual procurer to the stars.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Matt Tyrnauer
CAST:  Peter Bart  •  Scotty Bowers  •  David Kuhn  •  William Mann

A deliciously scandalous portrait of unsung Hollywood legend Scotty Bowers, whose bestselling memoir chronicled his decades spent as sexual procurer to the stars.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Matt Tyrnauer
CAST:  Peter Bart  •  Scotty Bowers  •  David Kuhn  •  William Mann

From Raquel with Love (1980)

Musical Special designed to showcase the minimal talents of Raquel Welch. Highlights include: a scene featuring Welch and Mickey Rooney, portraying a cab driver with seemingly magical abilities; a scene featuring Welch in a subway station performing a medley and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Raquel Welch  •  James Coco  •  Mickey Rooney  •  Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Musical Special designed to showcase the minimal talents of Raquel Welch. Highlights include: a scene featuring Welch and Mickey Rooney, portraying a cab driver with seemingly magical abilities; a scene featuring Welch in a subway station performing a medley and ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Raquel Welch  •  James Coco  •  Mickey Rooney  •  Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

Mitzi... A Tribute to the American Housewife (1974)

Mitzi Gaynor and guests Ted Knight (Mary Tyler Moore Show), Jerry Orbach (Chicago), Suzanne Pleshette (Bob Newhart Show) and Jane Withers in music, dance and comedy vignettes celebrating housewives. Songs include "Married," "I Can Cook, Too," and "You Are the ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Ted Knight  •  Jerry Orbach  •  Jane Withers

Mitzi Gaynor and guests Ted Knight (Mary Tyler Moore Show), Jerry Orbach (Chicago), Suzanne Pleshette (Bob Newhart Show) and Jane Withers in music, dance and comedy vignettes celebrating housewives. Songs include "Married," "I Can Cook, Too," and "You Are the ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Ted Knight  •  Jerry Orbach  •  Jane Withers

Leapin' Lizards, It's Liberace! (1978)

Television played a key role in the legendary Liberace career making him a household word to millions and the medium's first matinee idol. "Leapin' Lizards, It's Liberace!" video taped in 1978 was his first major television special from Las Vegas. "Leapin' Lizards, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Liberace  •  Debbie Reynolds  •  Phyllis Diller

Television played a key role in the legendary Liberace career making him a household word to millions and the medium's first matinee idol. "Leapin' Lizards, It's Liberace!" video taped in 1978 was his first major television special from Las Vegas. "Leapin' Lizards, ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Liberace  •  Debbie Reynolds  •  Phyllis Diller

John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together (1979)

In this beloved holiday classic, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets join the singer for a heart-warming Christmas celebration, with traditional carols as well as lesser-known holiday songs.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  John Denver  •  Frank Oz  •  Jim Henson  •  Richard Hunt

In this beloved holiday classic, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets join the singer for a heart-warming Christmas celebration, with traditional carols as well as lesser-known holiday songs.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  John Denver  •  Frank Oz  •  Jim Henson  •  Richard Hunt

Musical Comedy Tonight II (1981)

A tribute to American musical theater, featuring scenes from "Show Boat", "South Pacific," "Sweet Charity," "Finian's Rainbow," and "Lady in the Dark", among others. There is also discussion of the various creative aspects of the plays.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Sylvia Fine  •  Annette Charles  •  Richard Crenna  •  Nancy Dussault

A tribute to American musical theater, featuring scenes from "Show Boat", "South Pacific," "Sweet Charity," "Finian's Rainbow," and "Lady in the Dark", among others. There is also discussion of the various creative aspects of the plays.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Sylvia Fine  •  Annette Charles  •  Richard Crenna  •  Nancy Dussault

Mitzi... Zings Into Spring (1977)

In this musical salute to Spring, Mitzi Gaynor is joined by country music star Roy Clark (Hee Haw), actor Wayne Rogers (MASH) and the US Olympic Gymnastics Team for a colorful tribute in song, dance and comedy sketches to the earth's season of renewal. Songs ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Roy Clark  •  Wayne Rogers

In this musical salute to Spring, Mitzi Gaynor is joined by country music star Roy Clark (Hee Haw), actor Wayne Rogers (MASH) and the US Olympic Gymnastics Team for a colorful tribute in song, dance and comedy sketches to the earth's season of renewal. Songs ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Roy Clark  •  Wayne Rogers

Mitzi... Roarin' in the 20s (1976)

Mitzi Gaynor welcomes her guests Carl Reiner (Dick Van Dyke Show), Ken Berry (Mayberry R.F.D.) and Tony-winner Linda Hopkins to an hour, blending animation and live action, celebrating the era of flappers, speakeasies and great jazz. Songs include "Everything Old ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Carl Reiner  •  Linda Hopkins  •  Ken Berry

Mitzi Gaynor welcomes her guests Carl Reiner (Dick Van Dyke Show), Ken Berry (Mayberry R.F.D.) and Tony-winner Linda Hopkins to an hour, blending animation and live action, celebrating the era of flappers, speakeasies and great jazz. Songs include "Everything Old ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Carl Reiner  •  Linda Hopkins  •  Ken Berry

Mitzi... What's Hot, What's Not (1978)

Mitzi Gaynor and her guests Gavin MacLeod (The Love Boat), John McCook (The Young and the Restless), and musician Benny Goodman explore trends of the 1970's ranging from Jazz and Disco to Soap Operas and King Tut-mania. Songs include "Satin Doll," "I'm Hip" (with ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Gavin MacLeod  •  John McCook  •  Benny Goodman

Mitzi Gaynor and her guests Gavin MacLeod (The Love Boat), John McCook (The Young and the Restless), and musician Benny Goodman explore trends of the 1970's ranging from Jazz and Disco to Soap Operas and King Tut-mania. Songs include "Satin Doll," "I'm Hip" (with ...  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Mitzi Gaynor  •  Gavin MacLeod  •  John McCook  •  Benny Goodman

Fol-de-Rol (1972)

A filmed version of Sid and Marty Krofft's 1968 live puppet show, set at a medieval fair. The special was a pilot for a weekly series.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Cyd Charisse  •  Howard Cosell  •  Totie Fields  •  Milt Kamen

A filmed version of Sid and Marty Krofft's 1968 live puppet show, set at a medieval fair. The special was a pilot for a weekly series.  (more)

DIRECTION:  Tony Charmoli
CAST:  Cyd Charisse  •  Howard Cosell  •  Totie Fields  •  Milt Kamen