The Tap Dance Kid at Encores

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 2/1/22 at 6:02pm

Haven't heard anyone mention anything about this show recently, and I'd be interested to hear from anyone who was at invited dress or going tonight!  I'm on the fence about this show, though leaning more towards going than not.

--

Nominated for seven Tony Awards (including Best Musical), The Tap Dance Kid tells the story of Willie, a 10-year-old boy from an upper-middle-class Black family, who dreams of becoming a professional tap dancer, despite his father’s disapproval.

The production includes Tracee Beazer as Carole, Alexander Bello as Willie, DeWitt Fleming Jr. as Daddy Bates, Joshua Henry as William, Trevor Jackson as Uncle Dipsey, Shahadi Wright Joseph as Emma, Chance Smith as Winslow, and Adrienne Walker as Ginnie.

Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun) leads this revival, bringing a fresh take to the production with new tap sequences by choreographer Jared Grimes (After Midnight) to hits such as “Fabulous Feet” and a concert adaptation by Lydia Diamond (Stick Fly). The production features music direction by Broadway’s Joseph Joubert (Motown the Musical).

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/1/22 at 6:09pm

I’m so happy Encores is back!! I can’t believe it’s been almost two years since the last show…

[ktunes]

Posted: 2/2/22 at 11:35am

Bought TDF tickets for tomorrow's show....excited!! Hopefully the seats are good. 

[Huss417]

Posted: 2/2/22 at 11:45am

Had to give my seats up for this weekend but so looking forward to the rest of the series.

[suzycat]

Posted: 2/2/22 at 12:39pm

I’m curious to know how this is! I’ll be in town this weekend and have an extra slot I could fill. 

[clever2]

Posted: 2/2/22 at 10:25pm

Why is Emma skinny?

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 2/2/22 at 11:45pm

Oh, really? So did they cut or change lyrics to “4 Strikes Against Me”?

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 12:35am

Saw the show tonight and the cast was quite amiable. I enjoyed the choreography and there were some strong vocals. The highlight of the evening was the 11 o’clock number performed by Joshua Henry. It brought the house to their feet. My main issue with the production was the book; which was rather thin. Because of that, the show had trouble building momentum. The book scenes were a bit stiff and some of the ballads needed a stronger emotional core. Actors seemed to be singing to the sky rather than communicating desires and feelings. The staging was simple which was ok but at times it lacked flair and purpose. There were times when actors were not the focus of the scene and they looked uncomfortable like they didn’t know what to do. The orchestra though was just magnificent. 

[clever2]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 12:56am

Bill Snibson said: "Oh, really? So did they cut or change lyrics to “4 Strikes Against Me”?"

And to “Like Him” and “William’s Song,” and the book — they would have had to completely rewrite the character. 

They might as well spit in Martine’s face while they’re at it. Good grief. 

[ASOOS04]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 1:01am

Whatever “rewrites” they did were not clear and did not work because of…ummm, how shall I put this…nonexistent direction? 
 

Joshua Henry’s number was thrilling. Alexander Bello was excellent and can only imagine where he would have gone with guidance. Emma, the mother and Carole did not fare as well. Tracee Beazer Barrett in particular really struggled with her number.

 

 

[clever2]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 1:06am

As flawed as the show is, Emma was a wonderful role and Martine Allard’s wonderful performance was nominated for a Tony. Sad to hear this. 

[BettyRNorahDeniels]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 1:11am

Nominated for seven Tony Awards (including Best Musical), The Tap Dance Kid tells the story of Willie, a 10-year-old boy from an upper-middle-class Black family, who dreams of becoming a professional tap dancer, despite his father’s disapproval. The production includes Tracee Beazer as Carole, Alexander Bello as Willie, DeWitt Fleming Jr. as Daddy Bates, Joshua Henry as William, Trevor Jackson as Uncle Dipsey, Shahadi Wright Joseph as Emma, Chance Smith as Winslow, and Adrienne Walker as Ginnie. Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon (A Raisin in the Sun) leads this revival, bringing a fresh take to the production with new tap sequences by choreographer Jared Grimes (After Midnight) to hits such as “Fabulous Feet” and a concert adaptation by Lydia Diamond (Stick Fly). The production features music direction by Broadway’s Joseph Joubert (Motown the Musical).

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 1:54am

So in 2022 we can no longer have a character refer to themselves as “fat”. Its a character! The reason Emma feels so boxed in is because she sees society pushing her down because of her 1. Gender 2.  Color 3. Age 4. Size

[clever2]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 2:02am

Bill Snibson said: "So in 2022 we can no longer have a character refer to themselves as “fat”. Its a character! The reason Emma feels so boxed in is because she sees society pushing her down because of her 1. Gender 2. Color 3. Age 4. Size"

That is correct. Fear of some absurdity, like a threat of “fat shaming” or some such horse**** at the expense of the most interesting, heartfelt, and, possibly, important character of the show. Because that’s where theatre is. No risk. All PC gobbledygook that erases characters instead of nurturing them and developing them in a genuine way. No, too much effort. Let’s just gut the role, cast a skinny kid, and remove the, frankly, only damn reason to see it. Sickening. Thus a fantastic opportunity for a larger actress disappears. Better not complain about a role of color being stereotypical. They don’t fix it. They cut it. An actor is no longer given the opportunity. They just cut things. It’s a punishment and this business is in the toilet, and I’m fed up with the people who nod their heads and play along. It’s disgusting. This isn’t art. 

[dave1606]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 11:16am

I saw this last night. I can't comment on changes as I've never seen the original and knew nothing about it going on. 

Boy have I missed encores. Hearing the overture played by the full orchestra was such a treat and I could have left after that and been perfectly happy!

I thought this cast was fantastic. The tap scenes are amazing, especially considering 11 days rehearsal time. I spent most of the show thinking that Joshua Henry was wasted till his act 2 number and WOW he walked away with the show!

Overall I think its a great score but I do agree the book numbers drag. That said I thought the pure talent onstage more than made up for it! 

[Peter2]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 4:21pm

ASOOS04 said: "Whatever “rewrites” they did were not clear and did not work because of…ummm, how shall I put this…nonexistent direction?”

My reaction too: no direction. Still, go if you can. The performers are engaging, the orchestra sounds great, the dancing is energizing, the audience is overflowing with love and eager to have fun, tickets can be had cheaply—and it’s THE RETURN OF ENCORES!

[blaxx]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 4:46pm

Peter2 said: "ASOOS04 said: "Whatever “rewrites” they did were not clear and did not work because of…ummm, how shall I put this…nonexistent direction?”

My reaction too: no direction. Still, go if you can. The performers are engaging, the orchestra sounds great, the dancing is energizing, the audience is overflowing with love and eager to have fun, tickets can be had cheaply—and it’s THE RETURN OF ENCORES!"

His forte has never been directing musicals, yet here we are  *shrugs*

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 5:04pm

But isn’t doing re-writes going against the entire idea behind Encores? I don’t get why they are tinkering with the script and characters. I’m really bummed at hearing about the changes to Emma. Its truly the best role in the show. 

[R. GreenFinch]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 5:29pm

Encores often does re-writes or makes new arrangements, and they're usually pretty great. I'm not seeing this until this weekend, but I'll be really disappointed if they took a role away from a plus-sized performer. 

Here's the original, if anyone who has seen it/is going to see it would like to compare:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYM0tlW3hDI

 

 

 

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 9:25pm

In the Encores production the tempo is much faster and does not change. The entire number is belted. This U tube version that has been posted makes more sense.

[clever2]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 10:21pm

SmoothLover said: "In the Encores production the tempo is much faster and does not change. The entire number is belted. This U tube version that has been posted makes more sense."

Can you shed some light on what the changed lyrics are and how they reflect the plight of the now slender Emma?

(my beef is not with the actor, obviously)

[SmoothLover]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 10:52pm

I cannot remember the lyrics. There was a general sense that the character felt unattractive which comes across like teen angst because the actress was not unattractive. I had no idea that the character in previous versions struggled with weight issues until I read this thread.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 10:57pm

What’s the run time on this?

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 10:59pm

I was told by someone who saw it that basically “fat” is changed to “loud” because she’s stubborn and vocal but again thats from a friend who saw it. Someone else might be able to give more specifics.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 2/3/22 at 11:02pm

Jesse Green is right on the money. Joshua Henry is indeed sensational, but it makes no sense to give him that moment at the end of the show after having zero character development for the previous 2 hours.

It's a pretty boring musical, and Kenny Leon's inability to direct a musical really weighs it down. Everything needs a jolt of energy, and it made me wish that more of the book was cut. Encores proudly lists 10 people in creative leadership or advisory capacity now, yet nobody had the authority to tell Kenny to speed this thing up???

The cast also leaves much to be desired. Trevor Jackson (as Uncle Dipsey) never gives us the impression that this guy is a STAR. He is way too subtle, and his great dancing doesn't make up for it. Alexander Bello is merely a proficient tapper. Shahadi Wright Joseph sounds great but cannot act. (Or maybe she can, and was simply not well directed here.) I feel bad criticizing kids, but when the show relies on them so heavily, it's hard to make the show work without them.

The band sounds HOT, the choreography is great, and there are a few nice songs. But there's way too much other crap surrounding it.

I feel like I heard rumblings a few years ago that Savion Glover was attached to play the uncle and choreograph a new revival of it with a revised script (blanking on who was doing the rewrite). That might have been much better.