Gotta Dance!

 Gotta Dance!
Theatre at St. Jean’s
December 6, 2025

Photo courtesy of American Dance Machine

American Dance Machine’s Gotta Dance! is a celebration of timeless Broadway choreography.  The program is meticulously conceived and zestfully performed, showcasing definitive works of legendary Broadway choreographers.  Originally founded in 1976 by Lee Theadore, American Dance Machine was a “Living Archive” for Broadway choreography.  The company was reestablished in 2012 as American Dance Machine for the 21^st Century (ADM21) by Nikki Feirt Atkins to preserve iconic works with their original style – while keeping them fresh, relevant, and vibrant. 

Deanna Doyle & Jess LeProtto in "All I Need Is the Girl"
Photo by Bjorn Bolinder, courtesy of American Dance Machine

The show opens with Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen’s original choreography from Singing in the Rain (1952).  Jess LeProtto and Paloma Garcia-Lee perform Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse’s duet with sizzling passion and flawless style.  Next is Jessica Lee Goldyn performing Bob Fosse’s “I’m a Brass Band” from Sweet Charity (1966).  She is backed up by the men from the company.  They are precise, in sync, and full of energy.  Jess LeProtto and Deanna Doyle perform “All I Need Is the Girl” from Gypsy (1959).  Their chemistry is charming.  Jerome Robbin’s choreography tells a touching and vibrant story of admiration and ambition.  Susan Stroman’s choreography from Contact (2000) fills the stage as the company revives “Simply Irresistible.”  Afra Hines is captivating as the Girl in the Yellow Dress, and the company weaves a tale of jealousy and desire.  Randy Skinner’s choreography from Smokey Joe’s Café (1995) is hot.  Jessica Lee Goldyn shimmies like you’ve never seen before, and she teaches Brandon Burks a move or two.  Taylor Stanley, Afra Hines, and Georgina Pazcoguin perform a stunning rendition of Bob Fossee’s “Manson Trio” from Pippin (1972).  The first act comes to a striking end with Jerome Robbins’ “Cool” from West Side Story (1957).  It is tense, highly dramatic, and truly breathtaking.  Drew Minard is outstanding as Riff.  

"Cool" from West Side Story
Photo by Bjorn Bolinder, courtesy of American Dance Machine

Act II opens with Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s bouncy version of “Sing, Sing, Sing” from Swing! (1999).  The company is bubbly and spirited, and the vocals are tight and crisp.  Afra Hines delivers a sultry rendition of “Mr. Monotony,” followed by Georgina Pazoguin, Barton Cowperthwaite, and Taylor Stanley performing the trio dance that was part of Jerome Robbins Broadway (1989).  Randy Skinner’s tap choreography for “I Love a Piano” from Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (2008) is spectacular.  Deanna Doyle and Brandon Burks start off in the duet.  Their timing is impeccable.  When Afra Hines, Jess Leprotto, Samantha Siegel, and Drew Minard join them, the dynamic shifts and the rhythm soars.  Christopher Wheeldon’s Pas de Deux from An American in Paris is absolutely beautiful.  Georgina Pazcoguin and Barton Cowperthwaite are pure magic.  The highlight of the production is Michael Bennett and Bob Avian’s choreography from A Chorus Line (1975).  Jessica Lee Goldyn perfectly delivers the style and desperation as Cassie for “Music and the Mirror.”  The finale “One” brings the show to a dazzling conclusion.

"One" from A Chorus Line
Photo by Bjorn Bolinder, courtesy of American Dance Machine

The production is stunning and superbly conceived.  The program promptly moves from one number to the next, keeping the audience fully engaged.  At the start of each number, the name of the choreographer, the title of the show, and the year it was originally created are projected on the backdrop, keeping the original archival mission of the company alive and present.  

American Dance Machine’s Gotta Dance! is playing at Theatre at St. Jean’s (150 East 76 St., NYC) through December 28.  It is a unique opportunity to experience bold and brilliant moments in Broadway history.  

Domenick Danza