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re: Has anyone seen American Dance Machine at The Joyce?

Posted by:	Ballerina56 10:50 pm EST 11/16/14
In reply to:	Has anyone seen American Dance Machine at The Joyce? - PlazaBoy 11:58 pm EST 11/15/14

A mixed bag of an evening, but surely a labor of love. Numbers from choreographers Jerome Robbins, Gower Champion, Michael Bennett, Tommy Tune, Henry LeTang, Joe Layton, Patricia Birch, Ron Lewis, Jack Cole, Margo Sappington, Susan Stroman, Randy Skinner, Jerry Mitchell and Andy Blankenbuehler. Some fared better than others, which is to be expected with such a variety of numbers taken out of context from their respective shows. While their was no host or master of ceremonies, having no one speak or present any of the offerings was quite a misstep. Especially when you have some of the original creators or their muses right there in attendance. Perhaps a more seasoned artistic director would have shaped the evening more creatively, or at the very least, acknowledged some of the luminaries present in the theatre. Naturally, the performers aren't at fault, and they danced their socks off. They especially shined in numbers such as "Charleston" from Billion Dollar Baby, "That Rhythm Man" from Black & Blue, "Mr. Monotonoy" from Jerome Robbin's Broadway, and "Turkey Lurkey" from Promises, Promises. Amra-Faye Wright (Chicago) was on hand to sing "Mr. Monotony" and "City Lights", and was superb. The special moment of the evening for me was watching Jessica Lee Goldyn perform the Cassie scene, song and dance of "Music and The Mirror." She was captivating and had such emotion throughout. It didn't seem like the typical "by the numbers" staging/acting of the piece. It was an honest and organic performance, and her sense of desperation was innate. Then again, she had the one and only Donna McKechnie stage and mentor her on the number. Beautiful!

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