Review: LoveTaps (Chicago Tap Theatre)

By Chicagotheaterbeat @chitheaterbeat

  
  
LoveTaps

Written by Marc Kelly Smith
Choreographed by Mark Yonally
Directed by Harrison McEldowney
at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont (map)
thru March 23  |  tickets: $22-$35   |  more info
  
Check for half-price tickets  
  
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Interactive tap show is 90 minutes of adorable

     

  

Chicago Tap Theatre presents

  

LoveTaps

Review by Lauren Whalen 

Finding love in the big city (or anywhere, really) can be a task of Sisyphean proportions. Even in the digital age, or perhaps because of it, connections can be forged and severed by pressing a button. However, integrating this message into a performance piece – technology and all – is also a challenge. LoveTaps accomplishes everything mentioned above with aplomb. Chicago Tap Theatre’s latest, a 90-minute narrative with interactive elements, is pure charm with a sweet, hopeful message that love actually is all around.

The show’s first half follows various urban singles, from a sunny office temp (guest artist Jackie Spreadbury) to a shy bellhop (Rich Ashworth) to a good-time guy (Matt Pospeshil) who thinks he’s smoother than he actually is. As they congregate in bars, gyms and coffeehouses, Gwen (Jennifer Pfaff Yonally) and Gio (Mark Yonally) try to integrate themselves in the singles scene after breaking up. But when programmer Gio invents the new dating site LoveTaps, things get more interesting: during intermission, the audience is asked to “match” the singles for dates in Act II.

The dawn of social media revolutionized communication: suddenly, it was entirely possible to meet and court new lovers on one’s phone. Even those who choose not to partake of online dating sites aren’t immune to connections forged through texting, Facebook and various other forms that were out of the realm of possibility even 10 years ago. That said, this prevalence can be hard to convey in pop culture, especially live theater. Too many handheld phones and projected Tweets can read as trite and cheesy – and the risk only gets higher when audience participation is involved.

Thankfully, LoveTaps never falls into these traps – which is even more impressive, considering the show is choreography-based and free of spoken dialog. Director Harrison McEldowney is also an established choreographer, and it shows: even the projected Tweets and social media check-ins of the characters (lovingly designed by Michael Stanfill) have a rhythmic, almost organic feel. Transitions between scenes and “dates” are steady and quick, the pacing tight. Live onstage music courtesy of Andrew Edwards, Kurt Schweitz and Jordan Lewis add to the sense of immediacy and help keep the audience in the moment.

Mark Yonally’s choreography and the dancers themselves are the real stars of LoveTaps. The entire ensemble displays a palpable comfort and chemistry throughout the show, as well as sheer joy in the precision of their movements. Each individual tap is beautifully clear, collectively displaying humor, emotion and pathos. Even dance newbies will find themselves caught up in the show’s spirit, eagerly watching how each coupling pans out, and rooting for Gwen and Gio to find their happily ever after – together.

Chicago Tap Theatre is a company with legs (and great shoes!), that I hope sticks around for seasons to come. The dances are exciting, the dancers even more so. An active viewing experience from beginning to end, LoveTaps is 90 minutes of pure fun and proof that the art of tap is far more than perfect triple time steps.

  

Rating: ★★★★

  

  

LoveTaps continues through March 23rd at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont (map), with performances Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday 3pm.  Tickets are $22-$35, and are available by phone (773-327-5252) or online through Stage773.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at ChicagoTapTheatre.com.  (Running time: 90 minutes, includes an intermission)

Photos by Josh Hawkins

     

artists

cast

Mark Yonally (Giovanni Apollo), Jennifer Pfaff Yonally (Gwen Lighton), Jessica Williams (Regina Evans), Rich Ashworth (Charles Randolph III), Matt Pospeshil (Morey Playmore), Kirsten Uttich (Desiree Paz), Hannah Wilson (Lottie Lwenwynski), Jackie Spreadbury (Samantha Bright), Isaac Stauffer (Jack Pardo), Sioned Papparotto (Marlene Olsen)

musicians

Andrew Edwards (keyboards, guitar/Voice), Kurt Schweitz (bass, keyboards), Jordan Lewis (mandolin, keyboards)

behind the scenes

Harrison McEldowney (director), Mark Yonally (choreographer, artistic director), Andrew Edwards (original music), Jordan Lewis, Logan Stahley, Brittany Dunton (music preparation), Danielle Whaley (stage manager, company manager), Kurt Schweitz (music director), Michael Stanfill (projection design), Kristen Britt (prop design), Julian Pike (lighting design), Kate Grudichak (costume design), Chris Grabowski (audio engineer), Jennifer Pfaff Yonally (business manager), Rich Ashworth (rehearsal director), Tracy Domeracki (marketing director), Leah Martin (social marketing coordinator), Lynda Pasteur (graphic design), Kristie Kahns (studio photography), Josh Hawkins (performance photography), Laura Lockwood (videographer).

   

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