Broadway's love affair with dance is a timeless and captivating aspect of musical theatre, and the Tony Awards have once again spotlighted two productions that masterfully weave choreographic allusions into their narratives. In this article, I'll delve into the intricate world of dance quotes and callbacks in 'Schmigadoon!' and 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball', exploring how these shows pay homage to the past while creating something entirely new. But before we dive in, let me share a personal reflection: I've always been fascinated by how dance can transcend language and communicate emotions in a way that few other art forms can. It's a powerful tool for storytelling, and these two shows are prime examples of its magic.
The Allure of Dance in Musicals
In the realm of musical theatre, dance serves as a universal language, allowing characters to express emotions that words alone cannot convey. But it's not just about the emotional impact; dance can also be a clever way to reference and pay homage to the past. 'Schmigadoon!' and 'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' are two shows that masterfully employ this technique, creating a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation.
'Schmigadoon!': A Mash-Up of Golden Age Musicals
Based on the Apple TV+ series, 'Schmigadoon!' is a delightful parody of Golden Age musicals like 'Brigadoon', 'The King and I', and 'Finian's Rainbow'. The show's choreography, helmed by Christopher Gattelli, is a pitch-perfect tribute to these classic works. One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Schmigadoon!' is how it uses dance to create a sense of déjà vu, inviting the audience to reminisce about the past while enjoying a fresh and funny take on the genre.
For instance, the show's opening number, 'It's a New Day', is a delightful blend of 'Brigadoon's' 'The Morning Has Broken' and 'The King and I's' 'A Puzzlement'. The choreography here is a clever mix of the two shows' styles, creating a sense of familiarity that immediately engages the audience. But what makes this number truly fascinating is how it sets the tone for the entire show. It's a reminder that 'Schmigadoon!' is not just a parody; it's a love letter to the Golden Age of musicals, and the dance is a key part of that love letter.
'Cats: The Jellicle Ball': A Queer Ballroom Extravaganza
'Cats: The Jellicle Ball' takes Andrew Lloyd-Webber's iconic musical 'Cats' and transplants it to the world of queer ballroom culture. The show's choreography, created by Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles, is a fascinating blend of the original 'Cats' style and the conventions of ballroom dancing. One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Jellicle Ball' is how it uses dance to create a sense of community and celebration, while also paying homage to the original 'Cats' production.
For example, the show's opening number, 'The Jellicle Ball', is a vibrant and energetic number that draws on the dips, duckwalks, and hand motions of vogueing. This blend of styles creates a unique and captivating atmosphere, inviting the audience to join the celebration. But what makes this number truly fascinating is how it sets the tone for the entire show. It's a reminder that 'Jellicle Ball' is not just a tribute to 'Cats'; it's a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, and the dance is a key part of that celebration.
The Power of Dance in Storytelling
What makes these two shows truly remarkable is how they use dance to create a sense of continuity and connection. In 'Schmigadoon!', the dance references are a way to pay homage to the past, while in 'Jellicle Ball', they are a way to celebrate the present. Both shows use dance to create a sense of community and belonging, inviting the audience to join in the fun and the nostalgia.
But what makes these shows truly fascinating is how they use dance to create a sense of depth and complexity. In 'Schmigadoon!', the dance references are a way to explore the characters' emotions and motivations, while in 'Jellicle Ball', they are a way to create a sense of tension and conflict. Both shows use dance to create a narrative arc, inviting the audience to follow the characters' journeys and experience the story on a deeper level.
A Personal Takeaway
As I reflect on these two shows, I'm struck by the power of dance to create a sense of community and connection. In 'Schmigadoon!', the dance references are a way to pay homage to the past, while in 'Jellicle Ball', they are a way to celebrate the present. Both shows use dance to create a sense of depth and complexity, inviting the audience to follow the characters' journeys and experience the story on a deeper level. But what makes these shows truly fascinating is how they use dance to create a sense of nostalgia and innovation, inviting the audience to reminisce about the past while enjoying a fresh and funny take on the genre.
In my opinion, these two shows are a testament to the power of dance in storytelling. They are a reminder that dance can be a universal language, capable of transcending time and culture. And as I continue to explore the world of musical theatre, I can't help but feel excited about the future of dance in storytelling. Because, as I've learned from these two shows, the possibilities are truly endless.
