When you come see this show, you'll see Darlene's literal interpretation of the term swing set. Two swings are at opposite sides of the stage with a slide and monkey bars in between the swings. Most of the stage is free for dancing, however the dancers aren't limited to the stage, they bring their high energy take in to the crowd with the rhythmic thundering of their tap shoes.
Darlene was inspired to bring this show to life after a friend by the name of Shaun Laframboise gave her the song and suggested she do this show at some point in her career. "So I listened to it, I fell in love with it and the name of the song was Swing Set." Says Ms. Zoller.
As for selecting songs for a show, Darlene lets the songs speak to her "When I choose music it has to say something to me it has to physically make me want to get up and dance." The songs are a combination of current, popular music that people know like Christina Aguilera's "Candyman" to songs that people have never heard like Swingerhead's "Pick Up The Phone".
The stop/time dancers all pursue other careers during the day "Our company is unique in that we all share an incredible joy of performing and did not want to give that up simply because they've pursued other career paths." Says Ms. Zoller of her dancers. "This show and all of our shows are the result of that unbridled joy and passion for dancing and performing." she adds.
That joy and passion transcends individuality "We are a family." Ms. Zoller says of her company. She explains the two criteria in casting the show "Number one, everyone shares the passion for dance and entertaining and number two the passion to support one another." That support also shows itself when it comes to determining leads and back ups. "There are no divas in the group. It's all about the product we put on the stage and the joy that we have bringing it."
Darlene began dancing at the tender age of three and stopped only briefly when her father decided chauffeuring three daughters back and forth to every dance class was too much. "So he made us all quit and my two sisters decided that they would remain quited and I did not, I was miserable." One year later Darlene was back to dancing with a greater appreciation for it. With no ride, she resorted to walking "It was about a mile away, but back then it was safe and you could walk."
Darlene perfected her teaching skills as a self-described latchkey kid. "Instead of being latchkey at home I got latch keyed at the studio alot." While there she would watch the classes she was not taking and learned how to explain things.
Be sure not to miss "Swing Set" now playing at Playhouse on Park. There are only three shows left and tickets are going fast. Call Playhouse on Park at 860-523-5900 x 10 or go online at http://www.playhouseonpark.org/ to order. Prices range $17.50 to $22.50 for regular adult tickets, discounts for students and seniors. No matter your age, your sure to be dancing your way out of the theater!
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