The Tap Pack -
Chapel off Chapel, July 18 -
The five talented tapping men that make up the Tap Pack have moved from Sydney to Melbourne for a season. The name – which is both the name of the group and the show - is a play on the so-called Rat Pack of the 1960s, which included entertainers such as the smooth Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr.
The Tap Pack’s plot is slight and the gags are corny but the dancing is plentiful: an Australian tap dancer (Jesse Rassmussen) busking in NY is invited to join a group called Four Play, who have an on-going gig. But their show is old-fashioned and in danger of closing. The Aussie imposter, however, is a catalyst for change, the group comes up with some new ideas, and the show is saved! Of course!
The dancers are accompanied by a six-piece band at the back of the stage (which is a little over miked for the size of the venue). The mood is good humoured and the dancers keen to please. The set, a plain black-box but for steps to a raised platform, is simple but effective. The men look cool and sophisticated in suits and ties. They not only dance but sing popular songs from the era, which are loosely woven into the plot. There is plenty of good natured horseplay and (not-always) friendly rivalry.
The dance is fabulous – vigorous but clean and intricate. It was good to see the men performing with their whole bodies - their firecracker footwork nicely matched with fluent, well choreographed arms (too often neglected in tap). The individual characterisations are well established; the pace of the show is snappy but varied; and the performance is crisp and well rehearsed.
Three of the Tap Pack’s performers created the show - Jesse Rasmussen, Jordan Pollard and Thomas Egan. They are joined on stage by Rohan Browne and Ben Brown.
Hats off to them all for getting this show on the road.
- KAREN VAN ULZEN
The Tap Pack continues till August 4.