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Review: Henry goes dancing

 MUSICAL THEATRE

“Syncopation”

The Q, Queanbeyan, until April 5

Reviewed by Ian McLean

 

“SYNCOPATION” may have parallels with “Dirty Dancing” and “Strictly Ballroom” (boy meets girl and teaches girl to dance), but this is a story with no requirement for a supporting cast.

This clever and moving play by American Allan Knee is enchanting and enthralling in the hands (and feet) of just two outstanding actors.

A helter-skelter opening of car horns and city chaos introduces meat packer Henry Ribolow (Justin Stewart Cotta) and seamstress Anna Bianchi (Emma Palmer). Henry dreams of becoming a ballroom dancer and places a newspaper ad seeking his perfect dance partner. Timid and shy Anna answers and so begins a journey of individual self discovery through the jazz rhythms and haunting melodies of Gershwin, Joplin and Irving Berlin.

Both actors are outstanding. With sparkle and wild excitement in their eyes and passion and hope in their every movement they combine complex acting and dancing flawlessly. A dance with a mop and a train ride to Coney Island were highlights, while the grace and charm of foxtrots and tangos brought this delightful tale to life via a compelling mix of drama, comedy and pathos.

Sensitive lighting, tight direction and a clever, functional set added to the enjoyment of this quite magical play. This production epitomises the profession of theatre at its finest and should not be missed.

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