Chicago Tap Theatre presents The Hourglass in the Stop-Time Chronicles, the nation’s first superhero tap opera this July at the Athenaeum Theatre Studio. Co-created by comic book artist Andrew Pepoy (inker of Batman, X-Men and The Simpsons, among others) and CTT Artistic Director Mark Yonally, The Hourglass in the Stop-Time Chronicles follows The Hourglass, a superheroine endowed with powers she is still struggling to understand, as she battles the forces of evil embodied by Killjoy, Dance Macabre and the ominous Conductor.
The Hourglass in the Stop-Time Chronicles is the fifth story show created by Chicago Tap Theatre, following last year’s hugely successful run of Changes: A Science Fiction Tap Opera, featuring the music of David Bowie. With a cast of twelve male and female dancers, all of whom excel in both tap and other forms of dance, Yonally not only creates a whole new world for The Hourglass through his choreography – he also creates a unique new spin on the art of tap dance.
“Audiences love being told a story,” says Yonally, “and that’s what we do with The Hourglass. We have all the elements of good theatre – character, pacing, plot – as well as the best aspects of dance – fantastic music, compelling movement and honest human interaction.” Although audiences are familiar with traditional forms of tap, exploring tap dance’s conceptual and narrative possibilities is still relatively new. “Using the sound of the taps to help propel the plot is an astounding gift to us as storytellers,” says Yonally. “We can reach our audiences through both their eyes and their ears.” This particular production includes more of CTT’s popular a capella pieces, in addition to numbers set to the music of Siouxsie and the Banshees, Sia and other cutting edge female-led bands.
Superheros are not traditionally known for their tap dancing skills, but Pepoy and Yonally don’t let that stand in their way, particularly when they have Kendra Jorstad, one of CTT’s star performers, taking on the lead role. “One of Chicago’s leading dance critics recently described Kendra’s dancing as ‘otherworldly,’” says Yonally, “and that’s absolutely right. Kendra has phenomenal speed and accuracy, as well as an amazing ability to convey emotion to the audience. There doesn’t seem to be anything she can’t do.” Yonally laughs. “Of course, that just inspires me to give her harder and harder steps!”
CTT is also breaking with tradition with its new competition for Chicago’s digerati. “One night of the run, we will allow the audience to record the performance digitally,” says Yonally. “We’ll then give prizes to the best video clip and the best still photograph and allow the winners to post their submissions on the internet.” With this, Chicago Tap Theatre is truly taking tap – and dance in general – somewhere new.
The Hourglass in the Stop-Time Chronicles runs July 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 and 27-29 at the Athenaeum Theater Studio 1 (2936 N. Southport). Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 P.M, with additional shows at 9:30 P.M. on July 21 and 28. Sunday shows start at 3 P.M. Question and answer sessions follow the July 6 and 13 performances. Tickets can be purchased at the door, through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 312-902-1500. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students or dancers. Discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more.
