Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – The misjudged “revisal” of DANCIN’ muddles rather than enhances Bob Fosse’s distinct aesthetic

• By drediman
• March 20, 2023
• No Comments

Last night, the revival of Bob Fosse’s Dancin’ opened on Broadway. I use the word “revival” loosely, as the production currently at the Music Box Theatre has been considerably revised and reconsidered from the original 1978 edition of the musical, which is essentially an evening of Fosse choreography disassociated from conventional musical theater storytelling – a pure dance evening untethered from a dominating through-line narrative.

The creative team has attempted to update the dancical to current times, in the process largely rethinking casting, orchestrations, costumes, and lighting (the direction and musical staging has been credited to original A Chorus Line cast member Wayne Cilento). Unfortunately, despite the best of intentions, the resulting show is mis-judged and mostly garish, choosing to barrage audiences instead of seducing them. The show is structured around a handful of thematic segments. The two that work best are the ones that have only been minimally tampered with – “Dancin’ Man” (the Act 1 closer) and Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing Sing” (the Act 2 opener). Otherwise, the revival muddles rather enhances Fosse’s distinct aesthetic. Dancin’ isn’t the only musical revue of Fosse’s iconic choreography. In 1999, the superior Fosse arrived on Broadway (eventually winning the Tony Award for Best Musical that year), achieving the same goals in a more effectively coherent manner. If only the powers that be had chosen that work to bring back.

The young, diverse company is serviceable, with some dancers being better versed in the Fosse vernacular than others. Coming off best are the long-limbed virtuoso Peter John Chursin, Chicago veteran Dylis Croman, and the striking non-binary dancer Kolton Krouse. Overall, I applaud the company’s enthusiasm. If only the show they’re in better showcased their talents.

SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED

BOB FOSSE’S DANCIN’
Broadway, Musical
Music Box Theatre
2 hours, 10 minutes (including one intermission)
Open run