Camille A. Brown’s “Mr. TOL E. RAncE” responded to African-Americans’ involvement in 20th century commercial entertainment.
(Photo: Christopher Duggan)
Rutland Herald
Jim Lowe
January 19, 2015
BURLINGTON — Dance theater was certainly what Saturday’s performance by
Camille A. Brown & Dancers was all about. On the Flynn Center’s main
stage, the performance’s success varied, but proved fascinating
throughout — in part, because of an unusually high degree of musical
collaboration.
***
The most evocative music was expertly
created by pianist Scott Patterson and bass guitarist Tracy Wormsworth.
***
“Act I: What It Is” worked its way up through
21st century television, mimicking to a degree, then abstracting the
essence in dance that ranged from energetic to quietly introspective.
There was even humor, as one dancer stepped away to recreate vaudeville
stereotypes tongue-in-cheek.
Giving the performance much of its
power was Patterson’s onstage performance of his score on a Steinway
concert grand piano, its electronic amplification so subtle it sounded
real.
The soundtrack was appropriately derivative, incorporating
styles matching the eras — but there were real virtuoso licks stolen
from the likes of Chopin and Liszt. It was sheer virtuosity.
Dancing and music merged seamlessly, creating an emotional and dramatic arch. This was truly effective dance theater.
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