Sean Bovim's SwingTime at the Baxter
12 Oct 2009
Sean Bovim's SwingTime, on at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town until 18 October 2009, comes on the back of his hit show Tango Nights, which was so popular that many people saw it more than once. It set a precedent.
SwingTime, described as a nostalgic journey through the big-band era, has all the ingredients for success - stunning set design by Karl Staub & YWorks; beautifully made costumes by KLÛK & CGDT; mood-enhancing lighting designed by Patrick Curtis and executed by Bennie Arendse; magnificent music; an innovative programme keepsake; and good dancers. It was enough to prompt a standing ovation from segments of an enthusiastic opening audience.
However, it fell far short of expectations for some avid theatregoers and dance enthusiasts because the dancers were lacking in synchronisation and rapport with each other in the many pas de deux sequences. The choreography became repetitive and the second half was dismal compared to the first. Some of this may have been due to opening night nerves and should settle down as the run continues.
Violinist François Arzul provided melodic accompaniment to some of the songs, while singer Francois Lliam seemed to be in good voice. But he barely glanced in the direction of the dancers he led through some of the numbers and could do with some firm direction.
The partnerships of Kerryn Howard and Marc Goldberg as well as Kristin Wilson and Kyle Rossouw were the most outstanding. Kristin's characterisation and personality shine even from the back row!
A programme note refers to the harrowing pointe work required for the Charleston choreography - perhaps some of the fusion of broadway, jazz and swing steps could have been done in heels or pumps. Some people remarked that the dancers lacked soul - as though they were having to concentrate too much to put their hearts into their performances.
SwingTime is on at the Baxter from Tuesday to Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 6pm. Tickets are R150 and R120 through Computicket.
Discounts apply to scholars, senior citizens and block bookings of 10 or more with a special offer for October 13 when you can buy one ticket at full price and get a second at half price.
SwingTime has good entertainment value - it just needs to deliver more on performance.
