Review-Tap Dogs-Lunchbox Productions
21-5-14
"I like this show because it's noisy and crazy!!!" - Nicholas, 5 years old
By: Meaghan McGurgan
Dein Perry's Tap Dogs opened last night at the APA. It's an 80 minute show of fast-paced, well-polished fun, it's tap dancing on steroids. Think of every great tap dancing stereotype you've ever thought of: Fred Astaire on the ceiling, Savion Glover on Sesame Street, Singing in the Rain... This show takes these sterotypes and turns the volume up to 11. It's a show with a lot of flash, excellent comedic timing and great dance technique.
The cast has a very good vibe and there is no plot to follow, with character types to play rather than fully fleshed characters. They are having a great time performing, pushing each other and haggling each other when small foibles occur in the choreography. Gender reversal statements are clearly drawn in this sand because all the dancers are these tough guys who look like mechanics and all the musicians are these gorgeous rock-n-roll chicks. Drummer, Noriko Terada really stood out for her amazing stage presence, wonderful energy and great interaction with the dancers.
The show reminds me of STOMP in a lot of ways. It has a beautiful industrial set designed by Nigel Triffitt, highly-saturated rock-n-roll style lighting by Gavin Norris and seamless set changes that make the show come across as extremely slick.
My favorite number of the evening was the opening sequence which just focused on the feet. It established the show quickly from the beginning as something lighthearted and fun. It also established the character roles. The basketball number and the flashlight number were also extremely entertaining to watch with some incredibly tricky moments from a choreography perspective. The cast's ability to be perfectly in sync was impressive to watch.
Audience members with light-sensitive migraines or epilepsy should be aware that the first five minutes of this show are very strobe heavy. And, as our 5 year old audience member stated, it's a very noisy and crazy show - not for those wanting something sweet and gentle to relax them.
Something I did feel could have been improved was the sound balance in the microphones on the stage. The two in the center by the tin plates seemed significantly louder than all the other microphones and 30 minutes of very loud tin tapping got a little ear piercing by the end. They could have turned them down to the same level as the wooden floor mics and the audience would have been much happier.
Tap Dogs is a very entertaining show, perfectly accessible for people of all ages and all backgrounds. It's no Hedda Gabbler - but sometimes we need to just let go and have fun at the theatre. You most assuredly will have fun watching Tap Dogs. It's syncopation on display in a way I've never seen before. I left the theatre with a huge smile on my face. I highly recommend it for those seeking a way to brighten their day.
Tap Dogs is playing at the HKAPA through May 25th. For more information, click here.
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