REVIEW: ‘Take the Lead’ dances its way to Paper Mill Playhouse
Photo: Take the Lead stars, from left, Tam Mutu and Vincent Jamal Hooper. Photo courtesy of Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade / Provided by BBB with permission.
MILLBURN, N.J. — The Paper Mill Playhouse continues to not only be the preeminent theater in New Jersey, but also a constant stop for musicals looking to have a longer life on tour or in New York City. Many shows have started at this tucked-away gem and then enjoyed healthy runs in other destinations. Most prominent may be The Great Gatsby, now playing at the Broadway Theatre in Midtown Manhattan.
Paper Mill’s latest work is Take the Lead, directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, of Newsies and Death Becomes Her fame. He utilizes a book by Robert Cary and Jonathan Tolins, plus music and lyrics by Elliah Heifetz and Zeniba Now, to tell the story of Pierre Dulaine (Tam Mutu), a professional dancer who finds himself leaving the dance studio and teaching ballroom techniques to students in New York City’s public school system. His real-life story was first adapted into a film, and now it has landed on stage, which only seems appropriate given the story being told. Performances continue through Sunday, April 27.
Some of the strongest assets of the musical can be found in Heifetz and Now’s music and lyrics. They have developed songs that make the hard-working cast fly across the stage with energy and verve, offering ample opportunities for Gattelli to have fun with the choreography. And fun he does have, with individual pieces and soaring group numbers that are boundless and exuberant.
The dance moves, to be honest, needed to excel otherwise the entire enterprise would fall apart. Dulaine’s story can only work if dancing is at the core of the narrative being told, and Gattelli, a Broadway veteran with many credits to his name, does not disappoint in the choreographic department.
Mutu is quite enjoyable as the main character. He acts the part with humor and humanity, and his singing voice and dancing talents are quite excellent for such a demanding role. Vincent Jamal Hooper is another standout as Rock, one of Dulaine’s reluctant students. Also in the cast is Adrienne Bailon-Houghton as Arianna, the principal of the school who is trying to hold everything together. Rounding out the main cast are Savy Jackson as La Rhette and Matthew Risch as Alan Ford.
It should be emphasized that Take the Lead is not only based on a movie, but a true story as well, and the real-life Dulaine actually attended the opening-night performance of the musical at the Paper Mill. There’s no doubt that Dulaine found success in the education system and changed lives forever. The movie and the musical give him the credit he deserves.
As the story has been adapted for the stage, there is some dialogue and plot points that feel a little forced and cliché, as if the script were pulling from the many high-school dramas of the past (think Stand and Deliver or Dangerous Minds) rather than Dulaine’s own story. For example, it’s not entirely clear how Dulaine ends up as a teacher in the education system after giving up his private practice. Yes, the principal needed someone to fill in, but the transition to the teacher role feels too convenient and concocted.
Still, it’s hard not to be won over by the inspiring story of Dulaine and the company of these young dancers. The show’s impact works on multiple levels. There are the positive messages of a teacher trying to leaving a lasting impression, plus the students in his care who slowly but surely come around to his mentorship. But there’s also the superb cast at the Paper Mill who harness this inspiration and bring kinetic energy to their individual performances.
Take the Lead, although not flawless, dances its way into the audience’s hearts.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Take the Lead, directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, features a book Robert Cary and Jonathan Tolins, and music and lyrics by Elliah Heifetz and Zeniba Now. Starring Tam Mutu, Vincent Jamal Hooper, Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, Savy Jackson and Matthew Risch. Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. Runs through Sunday, April 27, at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey. Click here for more information and tickets.
