stop/time dance theater will take the stage at West Hartford’s Playhouse on Park for 10 performances beginning March 14.
stop/time dance theater. Submitted photo
Submitted
Fifteen years ago, Playhouse co-artistic creator and co-founder Darlene Zoller had “a dream in which all dancers [were] given their due.” And with that dream, she created stop/time dance theater, Playhouse on Park‘s resident dance company.
“Throughout my career, I’d seen wonderful dancers passed over because they weren’t great singers, or they had the wrong hair color, or were too skinny or too curvy or too quiet or too anything! As time moved along, I realized that I had a dream – a dream in which all dancers are given their due. This dream lead to a show; and that show led to us, a company that truly embodies the term ‘group effort,'” Zoller said of the show’s inception.
“The most precious gift I have received is the unconditional love, dedication and hard work of every person involved. We’re a fledgling company with energy, enthusiasm, an abundance of talent – and each member of this company has their own dream. Who knows where it will all lead?” Zoller said when she formed stop/time dance theater. Her dream has come to fruition and continues to flourish in its 15th year.
The 15th anniversary edition of the show begins on March 14 with two preview nights. Opening night is Friday, March 16 at 8 p.m., with a wine and cheese reception that begins at 7 p.m. There are 10 performances, running through March 25.
stop/time dance theater not only remains a staple of the Main Stage Series at Playhouse on Park, but has also been invited to perform for The Mayor’s Charity Ball, The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, The Ted Hershey Marathon, and many other private events.
Sixty-four performers have danced, sung or acted with stop/time, its members have collectively had 15 children, and hundreds of stop/time shows have sold out at the Playhouse. Zoller and her company don’t see an end in sight any time soon. Their love for performing runs through their veins, from the second the stage lights come up to the very final bow.
Just this past summer, The Connecticut Critic’s Circle recognized stop/time dance theater with two nominations for their 2017 production, “Rockin’ The Forest.” Zoller’s nomination was for best choreography, and Lisa Steier was nominated for best costume design.
This year’s production encompasses the spirit and vigor of stop/time dance theater as a family of talented entertainers. Their love for performing runs through their veins, from the second the stage lights come up to the very final bow. Zoller promises the return of favorite numbers from years past in addition to captivating new choreography. Through the years, hundreds of shows featuring exceptional vocalists, tap, jazz, and lyrical dance have sold out at the Playhouse, and this will be no exception; buy your tickets now before they’re gone!
Preview performances are March 14 and 15, with all tickets priced at $17.50. The stop/time 15th Year Anniversary Show runs through March 25. Tickets range from $25-$40, all seats reserved. Student, senior, and Let’s Go Arts discounts are available.
Director and Choreographer Darlene Zoller is the co-founder of Playhouse on Park where she has directed and choreographed CHICAGO (Best Director of a Musical/Broadway World) SWINGING ON A STAR, THAT HOLIDAY FEELING and A Chorus Line. Other choreography credits include: PASSING STRANGE, CABARET, HAIR, FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD among others. Zoller was voted Best Director of a Musical/Broadway World for I’D RATHER BE DANCING. She IS Mama D of MAMA D’s OUTRAGEOUS ROMP; a grown ups only music, dance and comedy event exclusive to the Playhouse. Darlene is an adjunct professor at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School where she directed and choreographed CHICAGO and did the choreography for ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, and CURTAINS. Musical Direction by Dr. Colin Britt, with Vocal Coaching by Eric Larivee.
To purchase tickets, call the box office at 860-523-5900 x10 or visit www.playhouseonpark.org. Playhouse on Park is located at 244 Park Rd., West Hartford, CT 06119.
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