Chicago Tap Theatre Presents Mixology

Tap dance takes a sultry and sophisticated turn when Chicago Tap Theatre combines live jazz musicians with unique and innovative ensemble choreography in Mixology: A Fizzy Cocktail of Tap Dance and Live Music. The show celebrates the traditional intersection between tap dance and jazz music while exploding preconceptions about what tap dance can do, alternating edgy interpretations of pop, rock and tango rhythms with silky smooth renditions of jazz standards. Although Mixology presents a stunning visual picture, with the troupe executing surprising and technically demanding choreography in a theatrical and emotionally evocative setting, the emphasis is firmly on the musical elements. Artistic Director Mark Yonally began his career as a pure jazz tapper, and the rhythmic complexity of Mixology shows his prowess as a musician. “When I was a young choreographer, all I cared about was what the piece sounded like,” he says, “and I still think it’s critically important for a tap company to think about how the sound of the feet adds to what the audience is hearing. Working from pre-recorded music can be somewhat limiting, though. In Mixology, the dancers and the musicians feed off each other’s energy to create a new musical work each time they perform. It’s like jazz improvisation at its best – new and different every time.”The musicians in Mixology are well versed in this collaborative art form, since they perform regularly with Yonally as a cabaret act known as The Rhythm Four, where the sound of Yonally’s taps act as the group’s percussion section. Mixology’s band includes a guitarist, a bassist and a female vocalist, all of whom jumped at the opportunity to work with live dancers. Leslie Beukelman, one of Chicago’s rising stars, will showcase her improvisational skills and scatting ability at the show. “Mark and I are used to doing jazz-style call and response when performing in the Rhythm Four, and I can’t wait to have that kind of interaction with an entire company of dancers. This is something you don’t normally see, even in a town as forward-looking and jazz-oriented as Chicago. People are really in for a treat.”This is not the first time that Chicago Tap Theatre has performed with live accompaniment. The company’s very first production, The Blue Show, also featured a live band. Since then, the company – and Yonally’s choreography – has matured. “We now dance to a much wider variety of music, using everything from rock, electronica and tango to jazz standards,” says Yonally. “I also concentrate more on visuals now, giving the company a distinctive look while still keeping the musicality of pure jazz tap.”Audiences rave about Yonally’s innovations, both in Chicago – where the company has become the city’s premier tap ensemble – and elsewhere. Chicago Tap Theatre has just returned from a successful tour in the United States and will be heading to France later in the year. “There’s just something about tap dance that draws people in,” said Yonally. “Maybe we all like to stomp our feet now and again.”Mixology: A Fizzy Cocktail of Tap Dance and Live Music runs May 11, 12, 13 and 18, 19, 20 at the Athenaeum Theatre Studio 1 (2936 N. Southport). Performances on Fridays and Saturdays are at 8 P.M., while Sunday performances are at 3 P.M. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students and dancers. For information or ticket reservations please call 312-902-1500 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. For more information about Chicago Tap Theatre please visit www.chicagotaptheatre.com.