Danceworks Performance Company pulls out all the stops in a variety show of hilarious heartbreak in Torch & Glamour: An Exploration of Love & Illusion

MILWAUKEE – Danceworks Performance Company continues its 2018-19 season with a variety show of hilarious heartbreak in Torch & Glamour: An Exploration of Love & Illusion, February 9-10 and 14-16 at the Danceworks Studio Theatre, 1661 N. Water Street in Milwaukee.

“Danceworks Performance Company rehearsals have been roaring with laughter in preparation for Torch & Glamour!” says Artistic Director, Dani Kuepper. “The cast is a talented and eclectic group that has contributed greatly to flesh out the concepts of the concert.”

The seed idea for the concert came from Andréa Moser (What’s So Funny?, Mad Li(m)bs), who had incubated the show’s construct and title more than a year ago. A long-time Danceworks Performance Company collaborator, Andréa has a flare for physical comedy and abstraction. “Working alongside Andréa on any project is organic and joyful from start to finish, and I am ecstatic to have been beside her, bringing this one to life!” continues Kuepper.

“Creating Torch and Glamour was an extremely collaborative process,” says Moser. “We talked about awkward crushes and break up stories and created movement pieces based on those experiences.” Exploring themes of vulnerability and empowerment, the cast has crafted an audience experience that includes both scripted moments as well as improvisation inspired by audience participation. “Then we added a splash of special skills – or things that we thought would be fun!”

A nightclub/piano bar atmosphere is essential to setting the scene for Torch & Glamour. “Who better than Milwaukee’s musical theatre favorite and accomplished pianist, Ryan Cappelman, to join forces with Andréa to emcee the variety show format?” asks Kuepper. Ryan and Andréa are a hilariously dynamic duo, guiding the audience through the ups and downs of love in song and dance.

The concert will feature Kuepper and Danceworks Performance Company members Melissa Anderson, Kim Johnson, Liz Licht, Elisabeth Roskopf, Zach Schorsch, Maggie Seer, Christal Wagner and Andrew Zanoni not only as dancers, but as singers, actors, rappers, pianists, lip sync artists and more! “I can’t imagine a more willing and capable group of artists to create with and I am forever grateful for the many laughs we’ve shared,” says Kuepper. “We’ve been reveling in the bliss (and growing pains) of love.” Audiences are invited to help Danceworks Performance Company tackle the comedy and tragedy of love and loss – and share their advice on love, romance and dance moves – in an evening of romance on the rocks in Torch & Glamour.

PERFORMANCE DATES

Torch & Glamour opens Saturday, February 9, at Danceworks Studio Theatre, 1661 N. Water Street, Milwaukee. The full schedule of performances is:

Saturday, February 9, 7:30pm*

Sunday, February 10, 2:30pm

Thursday, February 14, 8:00pm

Friday, February 15, 7:30pm

Saturday, February 16, 5:30pm & 8:00pm

*Post-show reception hosted by Jane Lewis & Mickey Maier.

TICKET INFORMATION

Advance Purchase Tickets: Reserved Seating $27 | General Admission $22 | Military/Veterans, Student & Senior – $16

Walk-Up Tickets: General Admission $25 | Military/Veterans, Student & Senior $18

Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.danceworksmke.org/purchase-tickets, calling the Danceworks Box Office at 414-277-8480, ext. 6025, or visiting the Danceworks Box Office, located at 1661 N. Water Street in Milwaukee.

Danceworks, Inc. enhances joy, health and creativity by engaging the community through dance. Danceworks is a member of the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF).

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.