A theater company and a ballet company in Santa Barbara have teamed up in a unique collaboration to present a production which blends theater and dance.
“Syncopation” is the story of a lonely meatpacker in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the early 1900’s, who dreams of being a ballroom dancer. A newspaper ad gets him a dance partner, and much more.
“Syncopation” is an Ensemble Theater Company Production, in collaboration with the State Street Ballet. William Soleau, who’s known for his work with the Ballet Company, is the show’s choreographer. He says the two person cast faces a major challenge, having to switch back and forth between acting and major dance numbers.
Zander Meisner plays Henry, the meatpacker who dreams of being a dancer. Meisner says it’s an interesting opportunity to stretch his skills on stage.
Sara Brophy is Anna, the shy young woman who blossoms on the dance floor. She says she enjoys the diversity of the role which Soleau says this story of an unlikely romance will leave audiences uplifted.
“Syncopation” has a preview show at Santa Barbara’s New Vic Theater Friday night (June 9th), and premieres Saturday night. It runs through June 25th.
