"Stepping Out" : A Review

OK, just in case you don't get to read the whole review, let me just say: you should see this show!

That's because Stepping Out is outstanding in many ways. It's a drama, it's a comedy and a dancing performance all rolled into one entertaining package.

The show is set in a dance studio, where once a week seven women, one man, an instructor and a piano player gather for tap classes. As anyone who's taken a dance class can tell you, the combination (and clash) of personalities makes for good drama - and good comedy.

Each character has her (or his) own story that rolls out over the course of the show, as we see the students learning the basics of tap. It's hilarious to watch them struggle through the early stages, and by the end of the show they really get to show their stuff. But along the way, we get a look into the concerns and lives of these women (and man).

The characters are brought to life by an All-Star cast of talented performers. Amy Browning is Mavis, the former professional dancer who tries to teach the (shall we say) challenging class of students. Amy's a wonderful dancer and a terrific actor - wonderful to see her on the stage again!

Emily Asbury is radiant as Vera, the fussy Mom who annoys everyone - but faces challenges in her own life. I loved her performance for several reasons - she's brassy, assured and tremendously funny (her expressions of horror in reaction to an innocent comment put me on the floor laughing), and a terrific dancer. But it's also great to see her onstage because I watched her grow up on stage locally, and she's been a talented performer since childhood, and it's amazing to see her transform into such an accomplished and talented young actor.

The same is true for Maggie Saunders, who's now studying theatre in college, but managed to also be in this show. She plays Lynne, a nurse who discovers a terrible secret. She's luminous on stage - an accomplished actor (who also grew up on stage locally) and a terrific dancer. My only regret - if only they had figured a way to allow her to sing in this show!

Jennifer Scott radiates sex appeal as Maxine, the mom who struggles at home but shines on the dance floor. She stepped from a starring role in 9 to 5 right into this show, and does terrific work here.

Jennifer Naglee plays Andy, a nervous student who struggles on the floor - and off. She really covers the extremes here, with some serious dramatic moments and some hilarious attempts on the dance floor. Her expressions while learning the dance steps are worth the price of admission alone.

Jane Modlin plays Sylvia, the down-to-Earth wife of a working class guy. She's a scream in this for her struggles to learn tap and for her (shall we say) direct answers to her fellow dancers. Best of all, she gets to prove that, contrary to her past comments, she can chew gum and dance at the same time.

Andrea Parkins is delightful as Dorothy, loaded with high-energy, enthusiasm and an awesome fashion sense. I'm assuming she has lots of previous experience in dancing, just judging by her pre-class stretching.

Linda Reynolds plays Rose, and I don't think Linda knows how to be anything less than hilarious. She's brash, funny and a heck of a good dancer!

Karen Pruitt plays Mrs. Fraser, the often rude and prickly pianist. She's a hoot as she says all the things that most of us think about but would never say. She also provides one of the show's most delightful moments.

Last and certainly not least is the brave Michael Naglee, the lone guy in a show swimming in womanliness (is that a word?). He's very funny as Geoffrey, the bashful student who does his best to stay out of the way of his more forceful classmates. His expressions are absolutely priceless, and he's a heck of a talented dancer.

Kudos to the directing team, Gene and Coni Anthony, for crafting a show that's so much fun that you'll want to see it over and over. They're notorious for just picking the best projects to tackle, and this show just adds to that reputation.

If you've had any experience with dance classes - or if you haven't - you'll love this show. It gets my highest recommendation!