I enjoyed this show quite a bit, but I think that had a great deal to do with the fact that I knew exactly what to expect. If you go into it expecting a typical Broadway show, that's not what you're going to get. This is a dance show, plain and simple. But, with that in mind, it's a fabulous dance show, and BarbaraAnne and I enjoyed it very much.
I did, however, think that there might be some kind of connecting theme between the songs, but if there was, it escaped me. I was grateful that the evening was broken up into three acts, with two intermissions, since it allowed you more time to absorb what you'd seen.
Some of my favourite parts were Desmond Richardson's fabulous "Percussion 4", "Steam Heat" (which is always fun), "Mr. Bojangles", and the big "Sing, Sing, Sing" finale. The dancers were all absolutely amazing, and watching what they could do with their bodies was a distraction in itself. "Take Off With Us - Three Pas De Deux" was a very interesting scene...even more so to just watch its effect on the audience.
Overall, I had a good time, and I can't fault the cast one bit. They were excellent. It was perhaps not one of those shows that leaves a profound mark on you, but it was, in all ways, an enjoyable evening of dance.
"Are you Pimpernel fans? Douglas Sills is here tonight, you know. I could introduce you."
Backstage after the show...we quickly declined. :-)
"I'm glad I don't have your knees today!"
Me, to Alex Sanchez (kinda long story :-)
"We could find you a part in this show. It would be perfect for you! Much better than that Pimpernel thing you were doing."
Michael Paternostro, to Douglas
The cast:
VALARIE PETTIFORD JANE LANIER EUGENE FLEMING DESMOND RICHARDSON SERGIO TRUJILLO SCOTT WISE KIM MORGAN GREENE MARY ANN LAMB DANA MOORE ELIZABETH PARKINSON
JULIO AGUSTIN |