Bob Fosse’s Dancin’

 Bob Fosse’s Dancin’
The Music Box
April 15, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Bob Fosse's Dancin'

Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ celebrates the work of the legendary director/choreographer.  Some of the content is restaged from the original Dancin’, which ran on Broadway from 1978-1982.  Director Wayne Cilento, who appeared in the original production, staged a few montage sections, highlighting well-known pieces of Fosse’s work.  Fosse’s style was strictly adhered to in the creation of these sections.  A few of the classic pieces were reinterpreted to connect to a present day audience.

“Crunchy Granola Suite,” “Three in One,” “Dancin’ Man,” and “Benny’s Number” (“Sing, Sing, Sing”) are presented in full.  They remain effective and stylistically fresh.  “Mr. Bojangles” is recreated with a few variations from the original, yet lands with a strong emotional impact.  Although the choreography from “America” is fully remounted, it is reinterpreted.  The boisterous red, white, and blue design from the original is replaced with stark black and white, generating an entirely different feeling.  It is less humorous and celebratory, and reflects the nation’s current deep rooted conflicts.  “The Female Star Spot” (“Here You Come Again”) features four women and one man.  It leads with new dialogue, and explores a very different point of view. 

Photo courtesy of Bob Fosse's Dancin'

The dancers are truly phenomenal.  They are technically strong, and have perfected the Fosse style.  Peter John Chursin stands out stylistically.  He is a consummate actor and magnetic performer.  Kolton Krouse nails the Ann Reinking solo in “Sing, Sing, Sing.”  He is a powerful dancer and solid performer. 

Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ is pure entertainment.  It is a truly invigorating event. 

Domenick Danza