The Group Theatre Too has been workshopping this new musical for about a year now. They recently completed a run at The Connelly Theater in New York, and it’s looking and sounding good with a strong story, good characters, and an opportunity for some great tap numbers.

Professional actor/dancer Justin Boccitto (who really does teach tap) leads the cast and many of those great tap numbers as Victor Chase. He’s got a few chips on his shoulder, little patience for his new job, and a clear intent to keep his new romantic relationship a casual one with the immediately likable camp organizer Claire Vaughn (Jennifer Avila). Not exactly an endearing leading man. But we sense in Justin’s performance that his faults are the result of walls he’s built up around himself over years – walls that, under the right circumstances, can be knocked down to reveal his long-hidden better self. Until those emotional walls come down, you can still enjoy his fantastic dancing.

The story and characters could stand on their own, but the fantastic dancing enhances it immensely. Michael Blevins, who wrote the book and co-wrote the music and lyrics, also directs and choreographs the show. The choreography is highlighted by a mano y mano tapping duel between Victor and Madoc (the emotionally awkward boy Victor casts as his lead), as well as the dazzling Act One finale that shows off the skills of the entire cast which is mostly made up of talented students ranging in ages from ten to twenty.

Those students are, of course, the students at the Starwood Performing Arts Camp. As they put it in their opening song-and-dance, “Mom and Dad can’t deal with me, so this summer I’m a dance trainee.” Heather Lightcap is Rosie, the vain, flirty, prima donna-type who always gets the lead role at camp, and Heather impresses with her dancing and her obnoxious personality. Jacob Burlas is her theatre boyfriend Steve who loses the starring role to Madoc, making him almost as miffed as Rosie who does not look forward to Madoc being her leading man. Lexie Speirs is terrific as the shy, uncomfortable, and vulnerable Traci, immediately making us feel for her and root for her. And Brian Merker is sensational as the star of the show. Madoc has a good heart, but he lacks self-confidence, is as socially awkward as Traci, and is stressed by his parents who care as little for him as they do for each other. In one scene he both amuses and touches us as he writes postcards to his parents, switching from side to side as he works on both cards simultaneously. His sensitive soul and inner fears feel acutely genuine, as does his growing affection for his new paternal figure – Victor Chase. But will Victor let him down as his parents are doing?

Performed February 29 - March 16, 2008.

Rob Hopper
Executive Director
National Youth Theatre