On Theater: Caron, Engel dance a fine duet
Most of the patrons of the Laguna Playhouse probably are old enough to remember the screen debut of the teenaged Leslie Caron in 1951 when she danced with Gene Kelly in the Oscar-winning movie “An American in Paris.” Her subsequent turns as “Lili” and “Gigi” also are part of Hollywood legend.
Well, the charming French gamin is alive and still kicking in an exceptionally challenging role as one half of the cast of Richard Alfieri’s “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” the playhouse’s current attraction, which brings its audience to tears, both of joy and of sorrow.
Caron is one of the few dancer-actresses who has cut a rug with Kelly, Fred Astaire, Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov — the big four of the showbiz dance pantheon — so you would imagine she’d be the one giving the dancing lessons. Nope. She’s taking them, from a brash young instructor (David Engel) in this beautifully enacted dramatic comedy under the insightful direction of Michael Arabian.
Caron plays the widow of a harsh Baptist minister who attempts to pass for 68 on first meeting her new instructor, but later admits to being 75. (Actually, the indestructible actress will be 83 in July.) Her performance is beautifully layered and richly delivered, the culmination of more than six decades in show business.
Engel, who created the role of Smudge in “Forever Plaid,” also excels in his interpretation — a high-voltage gay character whose romantic life borders on the tragic and who doesn’t cut his elderly client any slack. His superb energy level and snappy retorts enhance the plot, which thrusts together this oddest of odd couples.
Together, they’re theatrical magic, their dance numbers choreographed by another living legend, Donna McKechnie, who won a Tony eons ago for her performance in “A Chorus Line.” But the dances are only the tip of the iceberg in this deeply involving tale of conflicting lifestyles that wrenches compelling individual performances from its stars.
Caron appears fragile, yet commands the stage as the crusty old gal desperate to live her life to the fullest before her time is up. The plot element she reveals near the end of the show will stun her audience, topping a beautifully constructed characterization.
The motor driving the production is Engel, playing a neophyte dance instructor with Broadway chorus line experience who sets the tone for this enthusiastic two-hander. Unafraid to speak his mind, Engel clashes frequently with Caron as their characters battle for onstage supremacy.
The expansive penthouse-type setting (a little pricey for a preacher’s widow) is beautifully designed by John Iacovelli. Kate Bergh’s elaborate costumes — especially Engel’s choices for each dance number — are excellent, while the superb lighting effects — including some sensational sunsets — are the impressive work of D. Martyn Bookwalter.
“Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks” splendidly intertwines comedy and drama in this richly delineated character study, with the added bonus of a stunning performance by the legendary Caron. It’s a memorable production at the Laguna Playhouse.
TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot.
If You Go
What: “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks”
Where: Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach.
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 4 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays until June 8 (May 31 performance at 2 p.m. instead of 4)
Cost: $35 to $76
Information: (949) 497-2787 or https://www.lagunaplayhouse.com
