Choreographer Tharp to bring Dylan to Broadway

NEW YORK, July 11 (Reuters) Choreographer Twyla Tharp, who brought the music of Billy Joel to the theater with her hit show ''Movin' Out,'' now will bring the songs of Bob Dylan to Broadway.

''The Times They Are A-Changin','' a musical conceived, directed and choreographed by the Tony Award-winning Tharp, opens this fall, according to a release issued yesterday by her press agent.

The musical, which premiered in San Diego this year, will recount the tale of a young man coming to age, using Dylan's legendary music and lyrics, Tharp said.

Dylan has written more than 500 songs, including ''Blowin' in the Wind,'' ''The Times They Are A-Changin','' ''All Along The Watchtower,'' ''Like a Rolling Stone'' and ''Knockin' on Heaven's Door.'' ''I have no talent for flattery whatsoever but Twyla's artistry knocks me out,'' Dylan said in the same statement. ''Her production of 'The Times They Are A-Changin' is the best presentation of my songs I have ever seen or heard on any stage. It had a hold over me from start to finish.'' The musical will open at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on October 26, with previews beginning September 25.

Tharp, known for choreographing such works as ''Nine Sinatra Songs,'' won a Tony Award for ''Movin' Out,'' with its score by rock star Billy Joel.

REUTERS SB VA VV0848