RICK PESSAGNO
Dance Faculty

Rick began his career studying dance and voice at the age of 15 in New Jersey. By the age of 19 he landed the Broadway bound Hellzapoppin starring Jerry Lewis. Rick went on to do a season at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, which included Gypsy, Kismet, and Anything Goes. The Goodspeed Opera House, Tip Toes, and Whoopee. It would be Whoopee that would mark Rick's Broadway debut. Then came Gower Champion's 42nd Street where he served as the Dance Captain, Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies.

The Los Angeles Co. of Cats, The first National and Las Vegas Co.'s of Chicago playing the role of “Fred Casley”. Other credits include Evita, Jesus Christ Super Star, The Merry Widow (Long Beach CLO.) Leave it to Jane, Boy's From Serecus, (Doolittle Theatre Los Angeles.) On The Town, (Pasadena CLO.) Cinderella, (Pantages Theatre L.A.) and Pal Joey (Long Warf Theatre.) Kiss Me Kate, Sugar Babies and Me & My Girl (Harrah's Lake Tahoe.) Industrial shows for: Honda, Treasure Island Gala, Redkin. National World Congress, I.B.M, American Movie Classics. Television specials: Celebrating Gershwin, Liberty Weekend, Musical Comedy Tonight, Tony Awards.

Rick has directed, choreographed and produced numerous productions which include: Anything Goes and Bye Bye Birdie for Super Summer Theatre (Nevada) Damn Yankees, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Cabaret, Cinderella, 110 in The Shade, Guys & Dolls, Annie Get You're Gun (Nevada Conservatory Theatre.) At the Copa Rio Hotel Starring David Cassidy. Other credits include special events for Treasure Island, Mirage, Mandalay Bay & MGM Grand Hotels.

Along with industrial shows for Paul Mitchell, Redkin & Joico Hair systems. Rick has lived in NYC, LA, and now Las Vegas for the past 14 years. He has two daughters Katie and Hannah and has been married for 24 years to Tammy. He celebrates more than 30 years in show business and is currently performing in the Las Vegas production of Mamma Mia.