TAP YOUR TROUBLES AWAY
As a part of the “First Wednesday” performance schedule at Escondido Center for
the Arts, The Barn Stage Company presented the very first (tenderfoot, I suppose) showing of MUSICAL FEET in the Concert Hall. The creators apparently set a very high bar for themselves and they delivered the goods if the enthusiastic audience response is any indication.
And these performing artists who shaped this show include a trio of extraordinary tap dance artists who call Southern California home. All of them boast notable credentials which speak to their commitment to the genre. First, Jeffrey Scott Parsons, SoCal award-winning star performer and choreographer brings his charm and
expertise to the task at hand. Cassie Silva, Broadway veteran, whose resume includes both MATILDA and ROCK OF AGES, brings along her sass and savvy to the art form as well. Lastly, Tom Davis, LA-based performer and choreographer, adds his technical wizardry and boundless energy to the undertaking.
Their project aims to share an informative, entertaining survey of the origins of tap dance in the mid-19th Century straight through to the innovations currently in practice these days. Audiences are likely to hear about artists such as “Master Juba”, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, the Nicholas Brothers and Donald O’Connor. Occasionally, demonstrations of style, sometimes accompanied by song, weave their way through the proceedings. All the while, these performers engage in onstage hijinks which demonstrate their rapport and supply a humorous component as well.
Undoubtedly, these artists may continue to revise their “baby”, but a few references seem necessary. For example, the explanations about African circle dance and the Irish jig were fascinating. Competitive elements were especially welcome. Personally, I loved the Burns & Allen and vaudeville segments. OK…no more spoilers! Oh, one final recommendation: Don’t jettison that audience participation because it landed as a crowd-pleaser.
Throughout this one hour show, it occurred to me that this performance proved to be incredibly smooth, bursting with out-sized professional talent, informative, yet always light-hearted. Watch for this show to reappear on local stages, folks. MUSICAL FEET’s trajectory aims high and rightly so!
