Review: SYNCOPATION, Bridgewell Theatre
One of the earliest popular music styles was ragtime; a forerunner of jazz and the source of mesmeric piano licks that made ‘the entertainer’ by Scott Joplin famous. The syncopated or ragged rhythm from which the style took its name was popularised in the 1890s and reached its peak just before the Great War. Although submerged in jazz and honky tonk blues it retained a heavily danceable presence. The UK premiere of Allan Knee’s play draws on the positivity of ragtime and its natural feel good vibe.
It’s 1912 and New York is still growing into a new century. Henry Ribolow (Jye Frasca) is a meat packer with dreams of being a ballroom dancer. He places an advertisement in the newspaper seeking a partner who might dance for royalty. Anna Bianchi (Devon-Elise Johnson) answers the advertisement. She works as a seamstress and is engaged to the owner of the local dry food store. Anna is startled and intrigued by the meat packer who smells of chicken grease. Slowly the pair form a partnership that gets them noticed in local dance halls. But can a Catholic girl and Jewish man really make it as a couple on or off the dance floor?
A simple but effective set is populated with the barest of props that are used to maximum effect. A ferris wheel lights up to indicate a visit to Coney Island whilst a broom is used by Henry to rehearse his dance moves. A wide open space dominates the performance area where Henry and Anna meet, rehearse and dance. A strong narrative quickly fleshes out the principal characters and those who form the back story. Although billed as a play, it’s more accurately a play with songs. Hit songs from the era are featured plus a cross section of ragtime tunes that will be instantly familiar.
Jye Frasca and Devon-Elise Johnson are both charming leads and brilliant performers. They carry a demanding production that requires all the skills of the performing arts. They sing, dance, act and relate the complex story of a turbulent era. This is done in monologue and as a two hander over two and a half hours. To be word, note and step perfect is a rare feat under these circumstances. Choreographer Jenny Thomas fits the Foxtrot, Charleston, Tango and Waltz in as separate routines, and shows her credentials as Strictly Come Dancing alumni. A three piece band comprised of Fiz Shapur (keyboards), Dominic Barlow (keyboards) and Amy Roberts (woodwinds) are also excellent and create a big sound. Syncopation is an intelligent and entertaining piece that has huge potential on a bigger stage. It now needs upscaling for the West End. Let’s hope there are some takers?
**** Four Stars
Reviewed by Brian Penn