Sullivan Rep presents ‘Steel Pier’ – Book by David Thompson. Music & Lyrics by John Kander and Frank Ebb. Conceived by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman, and David Thompson. Direction & Choreography by Daniel Sullivan. Musical Direction by J. Kathleen Castellanos. Lighting Design by Erik Fox. Props Design by Rick Grenier. Costume Design by DW. Hair/Makeup Design by Cara Guappone. Projection Design by Jacob Sherburne. Sound Design by Paul Roach.
By Linda Chin
Less known – and less produced – than Cabaret, Chicago, and other Kander & Ebb Broadway classics, Steel Pier proves to be the perfect choice for Sullivan Rep’s dazzling debut in the Greater Boston theater ecosystem. The new Newton-based company has also selected a perfect location – the American Legion Nonantum Post 440 – host to countless family celebrations and community events since receiving its charter in 1952 – for staging this show-within-a-show about the dance marathon craze that swept the nation post-WWI. Part staged performance and part genuine endurance contest, couples would dance/walk for 45 minutes of each hour, take a 15-minute break to eat/nap, and rinse and repeat for as many hours, days, and weeks as it took until there was one couple left standing to claim the cash prize. These events were held across the country, peaking during the Depression era in the ‘30s. Sullivan Rep’s founder and artistic director, Daniel Sullivan (also in his 30s and a talented actor, singer, and dancer himself), directs and choreographs a cast of nearly 30 other triple threats from the Greater Boston area.
Sullivan Rep transports us from Newton to Atlantic City, repurposing the long bar that spans a side wall of the Post’s “Nonantum Room” for patrons to purchase drinks and creating a bandstand on the far back wall that keeps the fabulous orchestra (conducted by music director J. Kathleen Castellano, who also played keyboards) elevated and visible. The bandstand and spectator seating (in chairs, rows, a tiered section, and cabaret-style) rings the perimeter of a built-in circular dance floor. Realizing that this dance floor has hosted many dancing feet over the decades – doing the rhumba, fox trot, waltzes, tap, and animal dances adds authenticity – and poignancy – to the experience. Several large set pieces are rolled onto the floor: office furniture, bunk beds for the dorm rooms, wings of a plane, and rooftop mechanical equipment. Props in place throughout the performance are a standing microphone and a signboard that displays the number of hours that have transpired and counts down the number of couples remaining. Hence, the additional props that the actors employ are gurneys that remove the fallen – and disqualified – competitors. This is literally a ‘dance ‘til you drop experience.’ The heading of the signboard is “How Long Will They Last?”
Steel Pier traces the story of champion dancer Rita Racine (a charismatic Melissa Paz), also known as “Lindy’s Lovebird.” Unbeknownst to many of the contestants who enter the competitions to make some money (the grand prize is $2000, and spectators also throw coins to reward dancers they favor), get free food and shelter, or get noticed by a sponsor/talent scout), many of these spectacles are set up by sleazy businessmen out to make a lot of bucks. Rita is secretly married to the smooth-talking, conniving promoter and emcee (an exceptional Todd Yard, in one of his oiliest roles ever), who continues to promise Rita that they will soon return home to their cottage by the ocean. When her partner doesn’t show, she gets paired with a handsome stunt pilot, Bill (a smooth-voiced and sure-footed Kevin Hanley), who resembles the talented and handsome Tom Hanks when he was younger. Judging from the audience’s response, he made both younger and older women swoon.
Steel Pier has a wonderful score and is chock-full of dance numbers (probably 45 minutes out of every hour of the production’s run time) that are beautifully choreographed and executed for the theater-in-the-round and show the performers’ dancing prowess and stamina. Sullivan & Castellanos have cast a diverse group of performers, including a same-sex couple in the group which added sheer joy to my experience. Priceless moments included a number by “Everyone’s Girl” Shelby (a vivacious Janis Hudson), the #hardtotakeone’seyesoffhisdancingfeet Jackson Jirard, an egg dance by couple #8 (Kai Chao and partner), followed by the emcee quipping “that was no yolk”, and dancers tapping on the wings of the plane. Bridget Sullivan, in the role of Precious (the role which marked Kristen Chenoweth’s Broadway debut in 1997), has strong acting chops, great comedic timing, and strong dance technique, but a powerful singing voice (a breathtaking “Two Words”) that made my jaw drop. I see singing marathons in Sullivan’s – and Sullivan Reps – future.
The performance I attended did have some scratchy sound and audio feedback, but it added to the charm of the honky-tonk times and reminded me that my favorite productions are ones that remind me what it means to be human, which this live and full-of-life production demonstrates in spades. How Long Will They Last? If the spirit exhibited by the cast and crew of Steel Pier, audience response, and the exciting season lineup Sullivan Rep has in store for 2024 is any indication, the two-word answer is “Hopefully Forever.” For tickets and information, go to: https://www.sullivanrep.com/
