On March 3 through 6, Fritsche Theatre held something fantastic – an event to excite each of the senses, and cause each audience ember to tap into their wells of emotion. "Trip the Light Fantastic," the "annual dance extravaganza" featured dance ranging from tap to interpretive while diving deeply into both the abstract and mainstream.
Act I:
"...And until we meet again...Slainte"
As the house lights dimmed and the crowd quieted, the curtain was raised to reveal a world of by-gone days. Pictures flashed in an air of remembrance, just as bagpipes rang out signaling a Celtic celebration. Choreographed by Stella Hiatt-Kane (who also worked as the overall artistic director for the entire show) and featuring music by Gaelic Storm, the piece paid tribute to the lives of Irish Americans throughout the years.
"Spider-Man"
Choreographed by Heather White-Cotterman, "Spider-Man" dazzled using only a simplistic background, clever use of light, and killer dance moves, all set to the smooth voice of Michael Buble. Taking cue from the "Spider Man" movie series (with it's legendary upside-down kiss) and mixing original and vintage-looking costumes, "Spider-Man" combined all that has been loved about Spider Man throughout his history: colorful villains, the air of mystery, and plenty of action.
"Kitchen Tale"
The sounds of The Cinematic Orchestra and Patrick Wilson combined with Maris Glimcher's choreography (assisted by Colleen Creghan) seemed to slow time. Following a family's turmoil, "Kitchen Tale" is a powerful story of inner struggle brought on by familial stress.
"Dodgeball Dance Off"
Prompting a "warning"in both the program and before the show began, this was perhaps the most exciting performance of the night. Inspiring the audience to "get physical" and channel their inner Olivia Newton John, this '80s flashback chronicled the journey for championship between two rival dodgeball-dance teams. Brighter than that day-glo headband in the back of your mom's closet, this performance , choreographed by Tammy Plaxico, used the basic dodgeball poses to create a nail-biting exhibit of sportsmanship at its best.
Act II:
"It's NOT Personal...?"
In the most abstract performance of the evening, "It's NOT Personal...?" , directed by Kathy Bartelt, seemed to show the lives of lovers caught in a bought of infidelity. Providing multi-sensory stimulation, the room was chilled to create an atmosphere of sorrow. Not only were the dancers attention-grabbing, but a radio-controlled stage moved the performers while encapsulating them in a cold, blue chamber.
"Three"
Choreographed by Jon Devlin, who was assisted by Molly Sullivan, this performance was definitely appropriately named. Telling three stories, each involving three people, a theme is definitely arising. The first involving a back-dated love triangle, the second, a marriage forced upon a bride by her mother, and the third, a happy couple with their newest addition to the family, this story in tri-fold ranges in a powerful spectrum of emotion.
"Less We Forget"
Featuring a live rendition of Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" this performance dapples between the worlds of life and death. What was meant to be a tribute to a friend lost by choreographer Scott Brown – assisted by Hope James –, this wonderful piece doubles as a beautifully thought-out example of performance art at its finest.
"Play Time"
This literal interpretation of the Dresden Dolls' metaphorical "Coin Operated Boy" (choreographed by Shayna Zalcberg) showed sibling rivalry brought to an extreme. As sisters quarreled over a wind-up toy-styled man – their own "coin operated boy" – they performed a choreographed dance that isn't quite reminiscent of "West Side Story" but equally entertaining. The only end to these sisters' struggle was the untimely death of their bot-toy as their fighting removed his wind-up key.
"The Man in the Mirror"
The nights finale, choreographed by Sue Sarer, payed tribute to the King of Pop. Featuring the entire cast dancing to a medley of Michael hits – inluding "I Want you Back," "Day and Night" "Billy Jean," and more – this was truly an ensemble of "Thriller" proportions.
