By Deardra Shuler
If you live in an area that does not offer much hope you often dream of being somewhere else. Anywhere where the grass is greener and the beaches are cleaner. “License to Dream” is a play featured at the Castillo Theatre, located at 543 West 42nd Street in Manhattan, which bring youngsters from East New York together with underpaid dance instructors in East Hampton, in a bid to teach one another the art of dance. And, along the way, respect each others culture and learn that no matter who you are, you can dare to dream.
A bit rough around the edges, young minority youth from East New Yorkers wonder what the majority of white young dance instructors could teach them about rhythm. Something so natural to these youngsters, that other than simply getting out of the city for the summer, they cannot fathom what they could possible learn about dance other than what they already know.
After some initial frustration and sparring with their instructors, the kids learn they can fly. Fly not only in their dreams and ambitions but through the art of ballet. They found that ballet could teach them structure, balance, purity of line, simplicity of style, fluidity of motion, hope and a sense of freedom and increased self-confidence the kids had never known. Both instructors and students learned that preconceptions formed about one another, is just that -- false opinions that have nothing to do with the reality of what and who people really are.
The charming young cast members who performed as the youngsters from East New York, consisted of Kimarra Cannonier (Shantelle); Christian Colon (Tyrone); Lauren “ElleCee” Curet (Taneisha); Ty Evans (Aleem); and Rosemarie Madera (Nona). Ivanova as Edie; Kyla Ernst Alper as Justine; Cornelius Brown as Doug; Melissa Rose Corning as Chris; Matthew Sparks as Brad and Robin Taylor as Annie, played the role of the dance instructors. The majority of cast members have a background in dance. Dance numbers and songs included: The Flying Dance, Dreaming and Dancing, I Got Rhythm Down, Ready or Not and License to Dream/Goin Home.
License to Dream is a feel good play that will run until June 5th (with no performances Memorial Day weekend) and written by Fred Newman, directed by David Nackman, music composition by David Truskinoff and choreography by Javier Dzul. “License to Dream” is wonderful musical fare. Go check it out!
Interested parties can call the Castillo Theatre Box Office for tickets at 212-941-1234 or go online at www.castillo.org.
As one watches the play, one cannot help but get caught up in the fun and embrace the human factor and moral lesson of the production. That being, that we are all one. Whether from the rich side of town or the poor side -- given the opportunity to rise above their circumstance, most people when given love, guidance, hope, encouragement and the opportunity, will grab the brass ring and rise to higher ideals.
No comments:
Post a Comment