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Dance Mon Oct 04 2010
Innervation Dance Cooperative
Fans of Greek mythology, theatre, and/or dance might just want to check out a new production by Innervation Dance Cooperative entitled "Gods, Monsters, and Heroes." The company has reinvented the colorful tales of Zeus and Hera, Demeter and Persephone, Odysseus, Medusa, Athena, the Amazons, and more through a variety of dance styles, set to contemporary rock music. The evening-long production illustrates these popular stories with a mix of tap, modern, and ballet influences. In this production, IDC adheres to the company's foundation as a blend of theatre and dance, through their expressive movement, all put together collaboratively between ten choreographers and 28 dancers.
Watching IDC rehearse Act I and portions of Act II, it is clear that the dancers are having a blast, and their energy translates to the viewer. The company does a great job of communicating comedy in the show, particularly in Apollo and Marsyas, and The Sirens. The "Tap Warriors" in Birth of Zeus nail some fancy footwork, and the interaction between Demeter (Rachel Doucet) and Persephone (Stephanie Unger) showcases some particularly lovely choreography. The music selection complements the storylines, including selections from artists such as Pink, Feist, Coldplay, and Beck.
It looks like "Gods, Monsters, and Heroes" will make for a fun-filled evening. The music, choreography, and acting put a fresh new spin on these classic tales. And if you're not familiar with Greek mythology, just keep an eye on the synopses in the program so that you can follow the stories as they play out.
IDC will perform "Gods, Monsters, and Heroes" October 6-9 at 8 pm, and October 10 at 2:30 pm at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. Tickets to the October 6 performance are $10; tickets to all other performances are $20 for adults, and $15 for students or seniors. Please note that Theater Wit will charge an additional $2 box office fee on each ticket. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.theaterwit.org, or call 773-975-8150. Individuals may also purchase tickets at the Theater Wit box office on the day of the show.