Review: Community Talent Takes Center Stage in Stepping Out at STAND Performing Arts

 

Stepping Out

By: Richard Harris

Directed by: Renee Norris

Choreographed by: Deardre Randolph

Produced by: Stand Performing Arts, Keller, Texas

Audience Rating: PG 

Running Time: 140 minutes (plus 15 minute intermission)

Accessible Seating and Parking: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Showing: Nov 7 and 8

Sound Level: Loud at times

Sensory Warnings: Indirect references to domestic abuse

Reviewed by Stacey L. Simpson

There is a quiet charm to Stand Performing Arts’ production of the 1984 Richard Harris comedy, Stepping Out. Set in what is meant to look like a drafty church fellowship hall, this production gives us a relatable look at everyday people finding a sense of purpose, belonging, and community through a weekly tap-dancing class.

The story is about a group of London residents from different walks of life, each carrying their own baggage, eccentricities, and varying levels of rhythm, who gather once a week for a basic adult tap class. What begins as an awkward social outing involving strangers slowly transforms into a story about friendship, personal vulnerability, and overcoming self-doubt. There is no big dramatic arc; rather, the story is told in vignettes that show us the sometimes painfully slow progress of the class as the dance students go from socially self-conscious, clumsy, and directionally challenged to a team working together and supporting each other to pull off a well-executed dance performance.

Renee Norris’s thoughtful and capable direction pulls out and examines threads of character-defining moments that weave into themes of human connection and “stepping out” of one’s comfort zone to lead a fuller life. Underneath the constant chatter of tap shoes and light comedic banter, confidence grows and a sense of community is built. The steady pace builds to a satisfying final performance for a local charity concert in the final scene.

The cast balances the comedy with some sincere emotional moments that gradually reveal why each character is taking the class and what they get out of it. Mavis (Deardre Randolph, who also choreographed) is the (sometimes) patient, encouraging dance teacher, handling her own hidden struggles and disappointments while attempting to keep the class focused. Jenni Perkins (who is also credited with Props) is drily funny as Mrs. Fraser, the accompanist whose pointed remarks, incessant snacking, and visible annoyance consistently landed well with the audience. Meghan Rogers was fun to watch as the too-eager Dorothy. Her vocal tic of repeating the last few words of what other characters have just said is very well done, as is her tendency to clumsily run everywhere with tap shoes on. Nick Rogers nails the social and physical awkwardness of Geoffrey, the only man in a class full of women. Corinne Christopher plays the nosy, class-conscious, thoughtless Vera as a personality type we’ve all met, the one who makes insulting remarks and then says, “I’m just being honest!”

The remainder of the cast bring to life the variety of distinct personalities in the tap class, including Jessie Beebe as bold Maxine, Meg Jakubik as vulnerable Andy, Stephanie Macon as the brash Sylvia, Riley Hilsinger as the dependable and kind Lynne, and Cecile Reed-Randolph as the exuberant Rose.

Norris manages the spatial limitations of the church fellowship hall set well. Special credit goes to Choreographer Deardre Randolph, who had the challenging task of making the cast (including some experienced dancers) look convincingly amateur in the early scenes without making the dancing unpleasant to watch, before delivering a well-synchronized final routine that feels genuinely earned. The lighting by Seth Merrifield and set design are simple and suit the unpretentious tone of the material. There is some uncomfortably loud banging from behind the audience near the end of the show, but otherwise sound levels (Micah Perkins) were balanced. Costume design by Anna Atkins effectively evoked the 80s setting and was well designed so that character looks could be restyled quickly during blackout scene changes to reflect the passage of time.

Stepping Out is an enjoyable, warm-hearted evening of theatre. Runs through November 15. Tickets at: https://standperformingarts.org/tickets

On with the show!

Stacey L. Simpson