Reed Jones

Reed Jones (June 30, 1953 - Portland, Oregon – June 19, 1989 - Sherman Oaks, California) was a dancer and choreographer whose credits included Skimbleshanks in the original cast of CATS and Big Deal in the Jerome Robbins revival of West Side Story. Originally cast as an understudy, Reed originated the role of Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat in the original Broadway company of "Cats". He replaced originally cast Willie Rosario in the pre-opening rehearsal period after Rosario suffered a prolonged knee injury.

Performances

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum [US Tour] National Tour, 1987 Protean

Jubilee Off-Off-Broadway Concert, 1986 Performer

As Is Original Broadway Production, 1985 Chet (Standby) Clone (Standby) Saul (Standby)

The Loves of Anatol [Broadway] 1985 The Young Gentleman (dancer) Franz

You Can't Take It With You [Broadway, 1983] Choreographer (Musical Staging)

Cats Original Broadway Production, 1982 Skimbleshanks

Play Me a Country Song [Broadway] Unknown, 1982 Norm Dance Captain

America [Broadway] Radio City Music Hall, 1981 Principal

West Side Story Broadway Revival, 1980 Big Deal (A Jet) Action (Understudy) Gladhand (Understudy)

Peter Pan Broadway Revival, 1979 Indian Kangaroo Dance Captain

Death

He died due to AIDS related illness on June 19, 1989, eleven days before his thirty-sixth birthday.