Gotta Dance at The York Theatre

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 1:29pm

Didn't see a thread on this yet but caught a performance of it this past weekend and loved it!  It's a production done in association with American Dance Machine, so recreations of a lot of iconic choreography, and as someone who is on the younger side of being a theater fan, it was a total treat to see so many of these dances be brought to life in person, especially in such an intimate theater where you're so close to the action.

My friend and I mentioned how we both got strangely emotional at All I Need is the Girl, which wasn't really a song we expected that to happen at all (Jess Leprotto is also just a winning performer).  But it was wonderful to see things like Mr. Monotony (which I'd never heard of) and One (which I had somehow never seen in full).  Would definitely recommend checking out for anyone that's interested in dance! 

https://www.yorktheatre.org/gotta-dance

[RUkiddingme]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 2:05pm

Looking forward to this.  Jess is so great - does he get any other showcases?  Thanks

[ACL2006]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 3:04pm

Considering what a let down this season is for new musicals, I wonder if there's a chance this tries to come to Broadway for a limited run in the Spring?

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 3:43pm

RUkiddingme said: "Looking forward to this. Jess is so great - does he get any other showcases? Thanks"

He's also highlighted in Broadway Melody and Moses Supposes, as well as a few ensemble bits (there's a bit of a featured singing moment in Sing Sing Sing as well, the Swing version, not the Fosse version).   

[Melissa25]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 4:33pm

Oh thank you for starting this thread and reminding me about Gotta Dance. Just purchased my tickets. I saw Randy Skinner’s Cheek to Cheek at York and just loved it. His Dames at Sea is one of my all time favorites. Just what I need.

[RUkiddingme]

Posted: 12/1/25 at 7:40pm

chrishuyen said: "RUkiddingme said: "Looking forward to this. Jess is so great - does he get any other showcases? Thanks"

He's also highlighted in Broadway Melody and Moses Supposes, ."

 

Can't wait!!!  Thanks!

 

[1 Minute Critic]

Posted: 12/4/25 at 8:51am

1 Minute Critic Review: 4/5 stars

Fifty years after A Chorus Line revolutionized Broadway, Cassie’s solo in “Music and the Mirror” still feels like watching a dancer bare her soul through movement alone. It’s the kind of theatrical magic Gotta Dance!, presented by The York Theatre and American Dance Machine, tries to bottle across more than a dozen numbers.

The weight of that challenge demands that the 14-person ensemble not only execute the movement but understand why they’re moving in the first place. Broadway vets Jessica Lee Goldyn, Afra Hines, and Jess LeProtto, along with New York City Ballet principal dancer Taylor Stanley, raise the bar, while large ensemble numbers, like “Cool” from West Side Story and “One” from A Chorus Line, reveal a schism in the level of technique and maturity among the company. 

Still, Gotta Dance! lives up to its name, featuring a seven-piece band, live vocals, and an exacting attention to detail, thanks to stagers like Baayork Lee, Stephanie Pope, and Donna McKechnie, who are passing along the legacy to the next generation of dancers. 

FULL REVIEW HERE
 

[CukorLover]

Posted: 12/4/25 at 3:05pm

Fourteen dancers make up the cast of Gotta Dance, a revue celebrating Broadway and film choreography, from the legendary to the lesser-known. They sing, they dance, and they fill the intimate Theatre at St. Jean’s with nonstop movement.

This production marks the latest incarnation of American Dance Machine for the 21st Century, which had its premiere season in 2014. What’s different now is how fully “produced” it feels, with The York Theatre also presenting in association with producer Riki Kane Larimer. Exceptional lighting by Ken Billington ('97 Chicago revival) and a vibrant 7-piece band led by music director Eugene Gwozdz also add polish to this latest version.

Still, despite the cast’s hard work, the evening leans more toward a dance concert/historical museum piece than a fully realized theatrical production. Co-directed by Nikki Feirt Atkins and Randy Skinner, the show at times lacks zest and suffers from what feels like under-rehearsed ensemble work, particularly in the group numbers where precision and style are essential.

Standout moments among the 17 numbers include Jess LeProtto singing and dancing “All I Need Is the Girl” (Gypsy); LeProtto and Brandon Burks tapping out “Moses Supposes” (Singin’ in the Rain); NYC Ballet’s Taylor Stanley slinkily leading the “Manson Trio” (Pippin); Jessica Lee Goldyn shimmying through Smokey Joe’s Café; Afra Hines singing “Mr. Monotony” before Stanley, Georgina Pazcoguin, and Barton Cowperthwaite dance the trio from Jerome Robbins’ Broadway; and Paloma Garcia-Lee with LeProtto in the sultry Cyd Charisse/Gene Kelly duet (Singin’ in the Rain).

[Melissa25]

Posted: 12/10/25 at 12:24am

Yes, Jessica Lee Goldyn shimmying through Smokey Joe’s Café was insane in a good way. You’re warned. Take a few precautionary Dramamine.  My other favorite moment was Simply Irresistible from Contact. Brandon Burks and Afra Hines are sensational in this number. And Taylor Stanley can take you hostage with just a look. Highly recommended.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 12/10/25 at 8:47am

In a weak season of new Broadway musicals, I kinda of wish this would transfer to Broadway for a limited run. Grab a small house and let this run for 3-4 months.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 12/17/25 at 7:25pm

The rest of the run is completely sold out. I hope it extends so more people get to see this.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 12/17/25 at 7:43pm

Melissa25 said: "The rest of the run is completely sold out. I hope it extends so more people get to see this."

i don't think it can. however, I still would like to see a limited Broadway run. As of now, no theaters are open for the Spring.