Date: Fri 05-Dec-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Noise-Shubert-Glover-Wolfe

Full Text:

ENJOY

THEATRE: BRING IN DA NOISE... REVIEW w/ possibly serviceable cut

B Y J UNE A PRIL

NEW HAVEN - In the beginning there was "`da beat."

And with that statement, magical energy bolted from the stage at the Shubert

Tuesday night as the tap-tap-tapping of the Broadway hit Bring In `Da Noise,

Bring In The Funk opened in New Haven. The exploration of rhythmic expression

is fun and hard-hitting. It uniquely spans the history and culture of black

people in the United States.

A multi-media experience, Bring In `Da Noise... traces the bringing of African

slaves to America, and their subjugation to the northward migration. It

continues, on to the impact of urban living, and the resulting impact on

cultural roots.

"Funk" describes a form of popular music that is a melding of elements from

jazz, blues and soul. This production combines the sounds, the rich variation

of those sounds, with the talent of superb tap dancers. Its subtleties are

derived not only by watching closely, but also by careful listening to the

rich variations of tap cadences.

Like an oral tradition, tap dance steps are passed on from generation to

generation. To quote the director George C. Wolfe, "...these old black step

dancers, who were taught by the old black tap dancers... All of those guys

passed that information on to Savion Glover, and it landed in his feet, his

being and his soul."

Award-winning choreographer Savion Glover is a brilliant light in the world of

dance. Five years ago he became the youngest person ever to receive an NEA

grant for choreography. At age 23, he already has an impressive history,

starting from his debut almost a dozen years ago in The Tap Dance Kid .

A year later he joined two legends, Gregory Hines and Sammy Davis, Jr, to make

his film debut in Tap . Last year brought more recognition for Glover's

genius, when he was presented with a Tony Award for his choreography of Bring

In `Da Noise, Bring In `Da Funk .

The Glover-Wolfe team created a new kind of tap dancing with this production,

one that is expressive on emotional levels. What Bring In `Da Noise captures

is a larger, universal statement of the impact of society on individuals, and

it does so in very powerful sounds and images. The ending image in "The

Lynching Blues" will remain forever stamped in this reviewer's memory. It

depicts a body swinging from a rope, only there is no rope.

A history of black tap dancers is captured in one of the highlights of the

show. Entitled "Green, Chaney, Buster, Slyde," dancer Derrick Grant performs

alone, with his reflection, with a three-way mirror. It is marvelously

effective and informative, and calls for applause for scenic director Riccardo

Hernandez.

The seven-piece orchestra comes across many-fold larger in sound. Percussive

sounds magnify the movements and visual images on the stage. Batwin+Robin

Productions, Inc. gets a thumbs-up for its effective slide projections. In the

last segment of the show, a series of slides with words by the dancers adds

insight into what their dancing means to them. The personal statements create

a very strong connection with the audience.

Injecting the poetry of Reg E. Gaines, and commentary as part of, an

introduction to the tapping adds a special verbal rhythm to the production.

Even if one is not a fan of tap dancing, just going to hear Vickilyn Reynolds

belt out a variety of songs is worth the price of a ticket. A singer from the

time she was four years old, this lady has "been there, done that." She will

be featured in a solo performance in the upcoming feature Primary Colors .

In addition to their drumming action, percussionists David Peter Chapman and

Dennis Dove add humor and spice. Credit also to lighting designers Jules

Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer, and to Edward Pierce, who served as assistant

lighting designer. The lights add to the dynamics and impact of the production

a great deal.

Scheduled for a two-week run (through December 14), Bring in `Da Noise, Bring

In `Da Funk is definitely worth seeing. It cuts age and culture lines, and

offers a few hours of creative fun and foot-stomping music. It would not be

surprising to learn of an increase of people signing up for tap lessons after

seeing this show.

Tickets range from $28 to $55, and can be purchased through Advantix

(800/228-6622), or at the Shubert box office. Performances are Tuesday through

Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday and Saturday at 8; Sunday at 7; and matinees

Saturday and Sunday, 2 pm. The theatre is on College Street, New Haven.