Archive: Arts & Entertainment

It's easy for two people to live for years in the same New York City building just two floors apart and never lay eyes on each other, much less engage in conversation. So, when science professor Ever Montgomery knocks on out-of-commission dancer Senga Quinn's door to ask for a dance lesson, they meet as total strangers.

Each of them has challenges: she has isolated herself in her apartment while she tries to deal with an injury that might end her career, and he has Asperger's Syndrome, making social interactions extremely difficult. Ever is required to attend an event where social dance is required, and Senga is popping painkillers and has little empathy or interest.

He is persistent if not graceful. She is graceful if not tolerant. But through the wonderfully honest and engaging dialogue of playwright Mark St. Germain in his runaway hit Dancing Lessons, Ever and Senga find ways to bridge the divide. There is laughter and there are pulls on the heartstrings in this romantic comedy about an unlikely pair.
 
"We have a great cast and a terrific creative team," says artistic director Rachel Lampert.

Leading the team is frequent KTC guest director Sara Lampert Hoover who recently co-directed KTC smash hit Peter and the Starcatcher. Returning to play Senga is Rachel Burttram, last seen in KTC's production of Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune. Newcomer Zack Calhoon join KTC in the role of Ever. The design team includes David Arsenault (set), Tyler M. Perry (lights), Lisa Boquist (costumes), Brad Peterson (projections) and first-time team member Nate Goebel (sound).
 
In conjunction with the performances of DANCING LESSONS, Kitchen Theatre Company will present a number of ancillary events. Post-show talkbacks are scheduled for Sunday, March 20, Tuesday, March 22, and Wednesday, March 23 (preview performances), and Friday, April 1 (facilitated by Lee Rayburn of WHCU). On Wednesday, March 30 at 6:30 PM, there will be a pre-show talk.

v12i11