It’s been more than a New York minute since Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company have performed a hot-shoe shuffle on the boards at the Forge Theatre.
Not since 2016 – in the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie and play Stepping Out – have audiences seen the fancy footwork of well-trained tappers.
But now, eight years on, choreographer and well-known local dance teacher, Jan Pianta, promises to deliver another high-quality show.
This year’s production of the classic Cole Porter musical, Anything Goes, will be a welcome return to some old-time jazz and show tunes.
With Jan at the helm of choreography, audiences are in for a treat when the show opens in May.
Anything Goes marks Jan’s return to Production Line after some years, and she freely admits it has provided all sorts of interesting challenges for her to adapt to.
“The music arrangements for the tap dancing items in the show have certainly been a challenge due to complexity, but a challenge I enjoyed working through,” Jan said.
While this might be community theatre and the company want everyone to have fun, they also want to put on the best show possible.
They work incredibly hard with cast members to give audiences a great night or afternoon out.
Having worked with local kids for the last few decades, from beginners to highly skilled, award-winning dancers, Jan has certainly gained a good grounding to work with a broad range of dance abilities.
“The cast are a great bunch of talented and enthusiastic people” Jan said, adding that “together, we will certainly give a fantastic effort” to provide the kind of quality show audiences have come to expect.
Anything Goes opens at Bairnsdale’s Forge Theatre on May 3 for 10 performances over three weekends.
Bookings are available via the Forge Theatre website, and further information can be found on Production Line’s Facebook page.
