Date: Fri 07-May-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: SARAH

Quick Words:

Sherman-Stepping-Out-Farnol

Full Text:

THEATRE REVIEW: A Good Reason To Go "Stepping Out" To Sherman's Playhouse

(with cut)

By June S. April

SHERMAN -- Take A Chorus Line , add a few more pairs of tap shoes, and you

have Stepping Out. Well, kind of.

Both shows delve into the inter-personal dynamics and personalities of people

involved in dancing. But whereas A Chorus Line unwrapped the psyches of

professional "gypsies" (the term for the dancers in the group numbers),

Stepping Out is a gentle comedy about a class of amateur tap dancers who meet

weekly and who are asked to perform for a local charity.

As directed by the talented Jane Farnol, Stepping Out moves along at a rapid

clip and has a lot of laughs. The intimate size of the Sherman Playhouse,

where the production is currently being presented, make all seats suitable to

see the action.

As with most theatrical productions, the second act is stronger than the

first, almost paralleling the confidence that is gained by the tap dancers.

Choreographer Doreen Rafferty has done a remarkable job, succeeding with an

ending that is first-rate for any amateur group. Ms Rafferty's teaching skills

must be just as apparent when it's recital time; the same lady who handled the

sequences for Sherman Players is also an instructor with Academy of Dance Arts

in Brookfield.

Particularly adept at their roles were Ron Malyszka as the widower Geoffry,

the only male in the tap dance class, and Susan Lang as the temperamental,

wise-cracking piano accompanist Mrs Fraser. What with all the antics of the

novice and somewhat klutzie tappers, timing is crucial to this production's

success. And the ladies, and gentleman, were right on the mark.

Having seen Mr Malyszka in Newtown's Little Theatre Production of David Ives'

All in the Timing, it is clear that synchronous parts are perfect for this

actor. In fact, all the actors fell, whacked and stumbled in very credible

disarray.

Actor/dancer Kathleen Tasman's experience and talent maker her a great choice

as the tenacious dance instructor Mavis, who claims she prefers teaching to

Broadway.

The class of characters runs from a neurotic, intrusive woman who means well

but doesn't know when to steer clear of trouble to a former Mouseketeer named

Maxine. Seven fairly eccentric women and one rather timid male makes for an

amusing theatrical adventure.

Stacy-Lee Erickson portrays the sensitive nurse, Lynne. Phoebe Hodge does a

fine job as the depressed Andy, and Sally Gundy is the overzealous Vera. The

former Mouseketeer is Sandy Walker, who seems to be always involved in one

theatre production or another.

Kristi McKeever is delightful as the smark-aleck, gum-chewing Sylvia. Her

drinking buddy, Rose, is smartly played by Lori Metcalf Gerhard. Frenetic,

sweet and clumsy, the character Dorothy is adroitly played by Vicki Gaddy.

The two-act play continues only through May 8, and this weekend's shows are

Friday and Saturday at 8:30 pm. Reservations may be made by calling

860/354-3622.