Paddy Chayefsky (Norbert Leo Butz)

A television writer, novelist and three-time Oscar winner (an adaptation of his screenplay for “Network” is on Broadway now), Chayefsky became Fosse’s closest friend. Making good on a deal they struck when Fosse underwent heart surgery, Fosse tap danced at Chayefsky’s funeral.

Jack Cole (Christopher Tocco)

A nightclub choreographer and dance coach, Cole met a young Verdon when she reviewed his troupe’s performance and pleaded with him to take her on. He did. With him, she made her Broadway debut in the 1950 show “Alive and Kicking.”

Shirley MacLaine (Laura Osnes)

Though Verdon had created the title role in “Sweet Charity,” the studios wanted a name so MacLaine, who had appeared in the Fosse-choreographed “The Pajama Game,” replaced her in the film version.

Joan McCracken (Susan Misner)

Fosse’s second wife (his first was the dancer Mary Ann Niles), McCracken entered the marriage as the bigger Broadway star. Like Verdon, she was a comedy dancer. She appeared in the original “Oklahoma!.” Complications from diabetes stalled her career.

Liza Minnelli (Kelli Barrett)

Minnelli was already a star when Fosse convinced her to star in the film version of “Cabaret.” With green nail polish and mile-long eyelashes, her Sally Bowles helped Minnelli become a fashion icon.