NEW YORK—Part documentary, part history lesson, part tap dancing extraordinaire, and all lots of fun, Tapeire explodes across the stage thanks to the brilliant footwork of James Devine.
Devine is certified by the Guinness book of World Records as the Fastest Dancer in the World, with a speed of 38 taps per second. Seeing his footwork one would be hard pressed to doubt it, his feet moving with machine (and machine-gun)-like precision.
The effect is even more amazing thanks to a camera which projects his dancing onto a screen behind him, and despite how one may try, it is impossible for the eye to fully follow the movements of his feet or synch up the accompanying sounds (made by the tap shoes) to the movements.
Much of what is performed is in the style of Irish Line Dancing, where the object is to dance in as little area as possible. (Which includes, in this case, a rather small box and the bottom of a frying pan.) However, Devine does get to let loose at times, with one of the funnier segments occurring as he performs in a dance competition, slowly throwing in more and more improvisation, to the consternation of the "judges."
The various segments are interspersed with narratives explaining some of the origins of Irish dancing; with just enough information to give a bit of background without making things boring for the audience. Later sections looked at dancing as a theatre piece as well as a tool for the most primal, detailed and intricate artistic expressions. There's also a bit of audience participation (i.e. clapping) as Devine and his cohorts make use of such styles as funk, pop, and hip-hop to get their message across.
Devine is ably helped by Ashley Macisaac on fiddle; Paul Jennings on percussion, with a repertoire which includes drums, spoons, and various pots and pans; and Phamie Gow on electric harp; each of whom plays and performs beautifully. Playing as a group, with Devine and with his tap dancing bringing it all together, the effect they present is wonderful to behold.
Devine, who also handles the directing chores, keeps things moving smoothly with each sequence never overstaying its welcome. Tapeire is a real treat, one which the whole family can enjoy.
Tapeire
New Victory Theatre
229 West 42nd Street
Tickets: 646-223-3010 or www.NewVictory.org
Closes: Nov. 25, 2007
Running Time: Approximately 75 minutes
Judd Hollander is the New York correspondent for the London publication The Stage.
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