Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks

Vintage Theatre: 3/14 – 5/3

                                     L-R Dame Deborah Persoff & Preston Britton

     “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” is a two-character play set in  Florida.

     Deborah Persoff portrays Lily Harrison, a woman of a certain age who, widowed and lonely, wishes to experience a more fulfilling life.

     Preston Britton is Michael Minnetti, a gay dance instructor with attitude who appears at her door after Lily signs up for private lessons in her home.

     What begins as a decidedly incompatible relationship develops into a sometimes exuberant, sometimes graceful pas de deux.

Whether the dance is a romantic waltz or fast paced Hustle or Tango, Persoff and Britton move together with fluidity and charm. This duet has chemistry to go!

     Dame Persoff ‘s performance is revelatory. This artist exhibits a range of emotion from antagonistic disgust (contentious retaliation?) to animated joie de vivre to poignant self deprecation.

     Preston Britton’s hilarious portrayal of this flip, out-spoken gay man engages and endears.

Their repartee is laced with acerbic humor. At one point Lily says, ”If you say your age out loud your face hears it?”

     Christine Samar’s costume design provides us with real visual contrast. The wardrobe created for Dame Persoff is an array of dazzling gowns and ensembles while Mr. Britton’s outfits are mostly hilarious.

     

     Sharon Dwinnell, a professional dancer from New York, provides the varied choreography.

     Ever the champion of diversity in theatre it’s not surprising that director Craig Bond has chosen a script that addresses such issues as ageism and homophobia. Bond’s astute direction elicits performances that are as animated as his pacing is swift. His choice to have the scenes bridged visually by the cinematic expertise of Dan Rib's projections adds immeasurably to this evening of theatre.

     The play is a heartfelt work that speaks to the healing balm of friendship we all crave at every age.

Vintage Theatre Productions

“Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” 
March 13 – May 3

A widow, seeking to spice up her life, hires a young, private dance instructor.

Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2:30 p.m.; Sat., May 2 at 2:30 p.m.

www.vintagetheatre.com

Vintage Theatre Productions, 1468 Dayton Street, Aurora, CO 80010

 Marlowe's Musings

    

Big Fish, the Musical

Aurora Fox Arts: 2/27 – 3/22

           Megan Van De Hey and Kevin Schwarz

     “Big Fish, The Musical,” based upon the movie, is a real heart-opener. It’s the story of a son who wants to know the real man he feels is hidden behind his father’s magical tall tales.

     Director John Ashton has done an admirable job in the casting and pacing.

     Kevin Schwarz is the perfect right casting for Edward Bloom. This man can sing and act and comes off onstage as a sort of regular guy ‘every Dad.’

     Matt Summers acts and sings the role of Edward’s son Will, with great heart.

     Megan Van De Hey delivers a luminous portrayal of Sandra Bloom that’s enhanced by her heartfelt singing of  “Two Men in My Life” and “I Don’t Need a Roof.”

    Rob Costigan stands out in a comic portrayal of Amos Calloway.

     Mark Rubald is charming as Karl, the giant.

    The ensemble is full of the names of local favorites such as: Rachel Turner, Heather Doris, Mark Lively, Brian Murray and Scott Rathbun.

     David Nehls’ music direction, Charles Dean Packard’s scenic design and Piper Lindsay Arpan’s choreography are all top-notch.

The Aurora Fox is located at 9900 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO 80010

For tickets call 303-739-1970 or go online at www.AurorFox.orgMarlowe's Musings

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

Vintage Theatre: 2/2 – 4/26

Shashauna Nickelson, Dwayne Carrington, Cicely O'Kain,Leonard Barrett,Jr. and Hannah Wheeler

                                                               

     The joint is jumpin’ over at Vintage Theatre!

     Their production of “Ain’t Misbehavin”,’ the Fats Waller revue that pays tribute to the composers of the Harlem Renaissance, is exhilarating.

     Donnie l. Betts’ astute direction provides us with a zesty pace, flair and energy.

     Duane Carrington’s (Ken) hilarious rendition of “Your Feet’s Too Big” and “Fat and Greasy” are deliciously funny as well as being animated with exuberant vitality.

                                                        Leonard Barrett, Jr.

     Leonard E Barrett Jr.’s (Andre) sinuous, serpentine singing of "The Viper's Drag," an homage to reefer weed, is smokin' smooth and unashamedly racy.

     The three ladies of the production take the stage with great pipes, sexy bodies and a strikingly competitive drive. Cicely O’Kain, Shashauna Nickelson and Hannah Wheeler give animated and spirited performances that constantly compete for sexiest and most talented!

     Shashauna Nickelson(Armelia) turns in her best work to date in the dancing and singing of these upbeat nostalgic classics. This artist is the daughter of the late much beloved Jeffrey Nickelson, after whom this auditorium is named.

Cicely O'Kain, Shashauna Nickelson and Hannah Wheeler

     Cicely O'Kain’s (Nell) “Why Must You Be Mean To Me” and “Lounging at the Waldorf” are smooth as silk.

     Hannah Wheeler (Charlaine) is a knockout in her sailor’s cap as she sings “Yacht Club Swing.” Her “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now” is just plain hot!

     The show is filled with songs that range from wickedly funny and racy to poignant and tender.  The ensembles’s singing of  “Black and Blue,” the heartbreaking exclamation point in Act Two, is harmonious and truly moving.

     The scenic design by Jen Orf gives us a room that’s in much need of repair in 1940s Harlem that’s unadorned with anything except an upright piano and a few nostalgic pictures of black musicians and singers of the 1920s and 30s. 

                                                         Dwayne Carrington

     Linda Morken nails the milieu with eye-popping costumes for the ladies that shimmer and shine. Those for the men are dapper and debonair!

     Janice Gay Sayles provides us with choreography that is vital and fun.

     The musicianship of Eric Weinstein(piano), Kurt Ochsner(drums) and Kenny Martinez(bass) adds immeasurably to the enjoyment of this evening of theatre.

       Come ready to smile and relive this magic era.

Photo credits: DenverMind Media

Vintage Theatre Productions

"Ain't Misbehavin'"

A musical tribute to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and '30s.

Feb.27 - Apr.26

Fri/Sat @ 7:30 p.m.; Sun. @ 2:30 p.m; Sat., Apr. 25 @2:30 p.m.

$32 ($28 advance)

303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010.