Astaire Way to Paradise
Astaire Way to Paradise
Starring Roy Alan
Musical Direction by Chris Leavy
September 21, 2016
Winter Park Playhouse, Winter Park FL</strong>
Roy Alan is the sort of guy who owns his own private tap stage that follows him around; it comes with a red velvet rope to keep the unwashed and un-danceable at bay. Mr. Alan has done Astaire shows before; this one focusses on Astaire’s later film career. Astaire’s sister and dance partner Adele cashed in by marrying British aristocracy leaving Fred without a partner. Astaire headed west and began work in the film industry; there he made that famed pairing with Ginger Rogers and a half dozen other stars.
Mr. Alan taps through every number from “A New Step Everyday” to “Fancy Free” to “Swing Time.” Each step is different but he’s not here to teach the intricacies of tap; instead he emphasizes anecdotes from Astaire’s career. He choreographed the famous “Chimney Dance” for “Mary Poppins,” hung out with Ira Gershwin, and introduced new filming techniques that surpassed Busby Berkley’s ground breaking efforts. Berkley aimed for an artistic yet fractured style of close up, Astaire aimed more for the realistic look using longer and wider camera positions. Alan captures the energy of Astaire; other audience favorites include “Nice Work If You Can Get it” and “Build Up to an Awful Let Down,” all backed by Chris Leavy’s effortless keys. It’s only an hour, but it left us all exhausted, including our star.
For more information on Winter Park Playhouse, please visit http://www.winterparkplayhouse.org
