SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS
The Pumphouse Theatre, Takapuna, Auckland
30/04/2015 - 09/05/2015
Production Details
Tadpole Productions have chosen the internationally acclaimed comedy Six Dance lessons in Six Weeks by Richard Alfieri as their first show this year, directed by Janice Finn. Annie Whittle (the wonderful Miss Daisy in Tadpole’s sell out season of Driving Miss Daisy) and Russell Dixon (a sensation in last year’s musical Hairspray at Sky City Theatre) star in this gem of a play that has been performed in 24 countries and translated into 14 languages.
A formidable, lonely, retired lady hires an acerbic, quick tempered dance instructor to give her private ballroom dancing lessons – one per week for six weeks. This touching human comedy bridges the gulf between different backgrounds and perceptions, as two strong willed characters of different ages battle their way through the lessons and a surprising bond develops, secrets are revealed and lives are changed, celebrating the essence of true friendship.
Annie Whittle has been a favourite of New Zealand audiences for her roles in TV, film and theatre over many years. From Shortland Street to starring opposite Sir Anthony Hopkins in The World’s Fastest Indian she is an iconic actress with an exceptional talent for creating believable characters.
Russell Dixon has had a career in musical theatre in New Zealand and on the West End in London , combining lead roles with television work, film and touring productions – Blood Brothers, Top Hat, Mama Mia, Miss Saigon and Hairspray amongst his successes.
Director Janice Finn is no stranger to either side of the footlights, beginning her career as an actress in New Zealand and Australia, then moving to television directing and producing – with the classic soap Gloss her first foray into producing. She has directed plays throughout New Zealand, including two premieres of Roger Hall plays for Auckland Theatre Company.
With a strictly limited season at the PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna, book early for the 30th April to 9th May performances of Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks.
The PumpHouse Theatre, Killarney Park, Takapuna, Auckland
Thursday 30th April to Saturday 9th May 2015
Tuesday to Saturday at 7-30pm
Saturday matinees at 2pm
Sunday matinee at 4pm
Bookings:
Phone the PumpHouse Theatre (09) 489-8360(09) 489-8360
Or book online at www.pumphouse.co.nz
STARRING
Annie Whittle
Russell Dixon
PRODUCTION PERSONNEL
Producer: Tadpole Productions
Director: Janice Finn
Choreographer: Amber Dixon
Stage Manager: Simon Woodard
Lighting Designer: Amber Molloy
Lighting/sound operator: Sean Zent
Costume: Annie Whittle dressed by Liz Mitchell
Wardrobe: Robyn Fleming
Set Design: John Parker
Set Construction: Nick Greer
Photography: Lester de Vere
Graphic Design: Victoria Skinner
Publicity: Tadpole Productions
Administration: Angela Antony
Theatre ,
Characters parry well and dance even better
Review by Joanna Page 01st May 2015
American playwright Richard Alfieri’s Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is a masterfully written, dialogue-driven exploration of friendship with the pace of an Aaron Sorkin script and the pithy insults you would expect from Lord Blackadder. To pull it off you need an experienced director and two talented and engaging actors — actors who can dance.
Janice Finn first saw it in Sydney eight years ago and wanted to direct it in New Zealand. The casting of Annie Whittle as lonely retiree Lily and Russell Dixon as the quick-tongued, volatile dance instructor Michael Minetti meant she could do exactly that: bring the story of two seemingly incompatible people to the Pumphouse’s stage.
It’s the tale of Lily and Michael’s friendship which starts, and almost stalls completely, when Lily arranges to have private dance lessons – one per week for six weeks — in her home. The play explores the facades strangers hide behind and the power of first impressions. Lily toes the line when it comes to keeping up appearances whereas Michael goes through life with his foot in his mouth.
On stage there’s no mistaking Whittle and Dixon’s rapport. Their characters parry well and dance even better. Amber Dixon’s choreography makes the footwork seem deceptively simple and it lends a classiness and purpose to the play. While they both stumble on a line of dialogue or two this night, it seems a natural part of their conversation.
John Parker’s set is ideal: clean, elegant and staged to make a real estate agent clap their hands with delight. Stage Manager, aka Acme Cleaning man, Simon Woodard deserves a round of applause for his performance. The furnishings are exactly what you’d expect in Lily’s home, Amber Molloy’s lighting is spot on and Whittle’s outfits (by Liz Mitchell) are modern and elegant (my mother raves about them afterwards).
I’m not sure who chose the music for the six dances – Swing, Tango, Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha and Contemporary, by the way – but they deserve a hat-tip for toe-tap-and-hum-along-ability.
We leave the Pumphouse on a high and with a sense that the cast has thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the performance. In fact the stage seems too small for them. Next time I’d like to see it somewhere bigger. It deserves it.
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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