'Cole Project' bows in Queens

Director-choreography Chet Walker, one of the co-creators of the 1999 terp tribute revue "Fosse," is at work on a new dance-centric outing, "The Jack Cole Project," set to have its world preem this spring at Queens Theater in the Park. Walker's latest tribute tuner focuses on choreographer Jack Cole, whose work is best known from his dance numbers in classic pics including "Some Like It Hot," "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Gilda." Cole's Broadway credits included "Kismet" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," and he's considered an influence on legit names including Fosse and Jerome Robbins. "Cole Project" aims to re-create dances in Cole's style as well as incorporate new numbers based on Cole's work in Hollywood, on Broadway and in nightclubs. Show follows in the footsteps of another musical, "Chix 6," which recently debuted at Queens Theater, a troupe in the midst of a new-tuner push that's unusually ambitious for an outer-borough company. Walker's troupe Walkerdance is the resident dance company at Queens Theater. Cast has not yet been set for "Cole Project," which is skedded to open May 3. Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com