Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Director Rob Ashford to Choreograph 2013 Oscar Ceremony

Tony winner Rob Ashford will choreograph and provide musical staging for the upcoming 85th Annual Academy Awards telecast, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As previously announced, the ceremony will be hosted by Family Guy's Seth McFarlane, feature set design by Tony winner Derek McLane and is produced by Smash duo Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. The ceremony is scheduled for February 24, 2013.

 "Rob successfully directed and choreographed both of our recent Broadway revivals Promises, Promises and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," Zadan and Meron said in a statement. "Not only is he uniquely gifted, but we've developed a working shorthand. We are excited to collaborate with him on the Oscars, where we will be utilizing all his talents."

Ashford will direct the forthcoming Broadway revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, starring Tony winner Scarlett Johansson and Benjamin Walker. The drama is set to open January 17, 2013 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. He earned a Tony for Best Choreography for Thoroughly Modern Millie, and additional choreography nominations for Evita, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Promises, Promises, Cry-Baby, Curtains and The Wedding Singer. He also earned a Best Direction Tony nod for How to Succeed. His additional Broadway choreography credits include The Boys From Syracuse and Seussical. Ashford choreographed the musical segment “Musicals Are Back” at the 2009 Academy Awards (which featured Hugh Jackman and Beyonce), as well as the 2011 Tony Awards.