Dance partners shine in razor-sharp comedy
When
dance teacher Michael Minetti first meets his elderly student Lily
Harrison in her Florida-coast high rise, it seems pretty clear these two
will barely make it past ‘Hello,’ let alone their first full lesson.
Besides their 30-year age difference, they clash at every turn. A former
teacher and minister’s wife, she’s guarded, uptight and suspicious. A
former Broadway dancer, he blurts out jokes and insults and swings from
glib to desperate to nonchalant in 10 seconds flat. It’s fun to watch,
but how will they make it through a six-week dance course? That’s the
hilarious and touching journey that unfolds in Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, a new comedy that opens at Sierra Rep’s East Sonora Theatre stage May 31.
Rich Miller Photography
What
happens, of course, is the music starts – and this unlikely pair find
their common language. Through a lesson a week – swing, tango, waltz,
foxtrot, cha-cha and contemporary dance – their friendship unfolds.
Michael and Lily may grate against each other when the music stops, but
eventually they build trust, understanding and a deep bond.
Written
by American playwright Richard Alfieri, the show has been a huge
international hit. Since its Los Angeles premiere and Broadway opening,
it has been translated into 12 languages, with more than 50 productions
in over 20 countries. The New York Post called it “A joy to watch,” The
New York Observer wrote that it is “just the right combination of humor
and humility to make you laugh and cry at the same time,” and The
Hollywood Reporter called it “thoughtful, razor sharp, charming, funny
and genuinely moving.”
SRT Artistic Director Scott Viets is directing the show, with SRT’s Becky Saunders (Church Basement Ladies)
as Lily and Los Angeles actor Sean Galuszka as Michael. Each did the
show last year – Becky in Sacramento and Sean in Palm Springs.
“I’m
looking forward to re-entering the world of Michael Minetti,” Galuszka
said. “It’s great when you can revisit a character and expand on a role…
and Michael definitely spells everything out! He’s authentic and
uninhibited... and that’s kind of liberating to play. What I love about
him is that he never stays in a mood – he works through them with this
craziness. He doesn’t mean 80 percent of what he says, he just blurts
things out.”
But
Michael doesn’t truly open to Lily until she lets down her guard a bit –
and that doesn’t happen until they connect through a few dances.
“He
finds such a kindred spirit in her,” Galuszka said. “They should be
polar opposites, but they share a common language and it’s a
communication of the soul – they both understand that and they need
that.”
Saunders said she loves the way the friendship unfolds and credits good writing.
“There are a lot of punch lines and just the right amount of angst,”
she said. “It’s not heavy handed. It’s kind of a mother-son
relationship. They’re both lonely souls, they connect and end up loving
each other.”
Viets said the show is a welcome change of pace for him.
“Since I directed Shipwrecked
a couple of years ago, I’ve wanted the luxury to explore text and
relationships in a story without having to worry about creating and
teaching production numbers, which usually take up such a huge chunk of
rehearsal time,” Viets said. “I’m a big fan of this piece – its gentle
and comedic approach to two people from different worlds who take the
time to cross the bridges necessary to truly understand each other.”
Completing
the design team are SRT’s resident artists: scenic design by Dennis
Jones, costume design by Bina Bieker, props by Mercy Sharpe, lighting
design by Peter Leibold and stage management by Lia Metz.
SRT’s production of Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks
is presented with the help of our Season Sponsor, Clarke Broadcasting,
Silver Partner, The Union Democrat, and underwriter, The Law Offices of
Kate Powell Segerstrom.
Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks opens Friday, May 31 and plays through Sunday, June 23 at SRT’s East Sonora Theatre stage, found at 13891 Mono Way. Thursday and Friday performances begin at 7 p.m., Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.
General admission ranges from $26 to $32 depending on the day of the
performance, with student, child, senior and group rates available. A
special talk back discussion with the cast will be held immediately
after the Thursday, June 13 performance.
This
show is rated R for language and adult topics. For more information on
content and show dates, or to make reservations, call Sierra Rep’s box
office at (209) 532-3120 or visit Sierra Rep at www.sierrarep.org.