If you love dance, you’ve gotta get your ticket to Gotta Dance! at Stage 42.
Produced by Riki Kane Larimer in collaboration with American Dance Machine, Gotta Dance! is a tribute to Broadway and Hollywood musical theatre dance. The production functions as both a history lesson and a celebration of the form. This musical revived my love of the classics.
The show was co-directed by Nikki Feirt Atkins, ADM21’s artistic director, and four-time Tony-nominated Randy Skinner. Originally produced at the York Theatre Company, the production features some of the best dancers in New York City performing iconic choreography from the musical theatre canon, including Pippin, A Chorus Line, West Side Story, and Singin’ in the Rain.
The ensemble stands out for its clean lines and precision. Several performers were understudies during the performance I attended, yet there was not a single missed step. The dancers demonstrate versatility across a wide range of styles, including Fosse, tap, jazz, Lindy Hop, pointe, ballet, and swing. What elevates the production is the level of commitment each performer brings to the material.
Costumes by Marlene Olson Hamm evoke the aesthetic of a carefully preserved Broadway archive. The designs are beautiful, classic, and cohesive. Lighting by Ken Billington and Anthony Pearson supports the storytelling of each number, helping to shape the tone and atmosphere of the performance.
Standout numbers include:
“Cool” from West Side Story – Jerome Robbins’ choreography is restaged by Robert LaFosse in a rendition that maintains the integrity of the original while showcasing the technical ability of a contemporary cast. The choreography remains largely intact, while the performers brings a renewed energy and acting ability to the piece.
“The Music and the Mirror” from A Chorus Line – Originally choreographed by Michael Bennett and Bob Avian and restaged by Donna McKechnie, this number features Jessica Lee Goldyn reprising the role of Cassie, which she performed in the 2006 Broadway revival. Her teary-eyed performance truthfully captured the desperation of wanting to be permitted to do the thing you feel you were placed on this earth to do.
Goldyn also appears as a soloist in “City Lights” from The Act, demonstrating her gift as a physical comedian. I’ve never laughed so hard at a false exit and re-entry. Her performance in “Teach Me How to Shimmy” from Smokey Joe’s Cafe was comedy gold.
“Moses Supposes” from Singin’ in the Rain – Choreographed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen and restaged by Caleb Teicher, this tap number is performed by Brandon Burks and RJ Higton with clarity and precision.
“Pas De Deux” from An American in Paris – Choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and restaged by Dustin Layton, this piece was danced by Deanna Doyle and Barton Cowperthwaite. Doyle, performing as an understudy, performed flawlessly.
“Sweet Georgia Brown” from Bubbling Brown Sugar – Kate Louissaint delivers an incredibly vocal performance while shining as a featured dancer in this piece and others. The number, originally choreographed by Billy Wilson and restaged by Alexis Wilson is executed with style.
“Sing Sing Sing” from Swing! – With original choreography by Ryan Francois and Jenny Thomas and restaging by Brian Lawton and Samantha Siegel, this number stands out for its perfect execution of organized chaos. The choreography is fast-paced and technically demanding, yet performed with a sense of ease and control.
American Dance Machine, reestablished in 2012 by Nikki Feirt Atkins, is dedicated to preserving musical theatre choreography while presenting it keeping it in a way that remains accessible to contemporary audiences.
The music, arranged by Eugene Gwozdz, is performed by a live orchestra featuring works by composers including Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Stephen Sondheim, and Jule Styne.
Photo Credit: Christopher Duggan
Gotta Dance! runs at Stage 42 and more info at GottaDanceShow.com.
