Ever wondered what it was like to be famous?
The Otterbein University Department of Theatre and Dance explores the power of
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celebrity and pop culture in its annual dance concert, Dance 2015: Famously Yours … Forever in shows that run through Nov. 22.
The 19-person ensemble will bring to life the painting “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Gottfried Helnwein, a reimagining of Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks,” featuring Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Elvis Presley and James Dean seated at a late-night diner.
Stella Hiatt Kane, faculty choreographer at Otterbein, created and choreographed the piece as a way to explore the influence of celebrity icons on culture and vice versa.
“I was captivated to create a one-act dance theatre piece based on four of America’s most popular icons gathered together for what very well could be eternity,” she says in a written statement.
The performance will depict the stars’ struggle to leave the diner and their celebrity personas behind.
“The styles of dance will be reflective of the four icons and their impact on culture and entertainment. This will include the ’50s social dance and jazz dance, the threads of rock and roll, a modern bend to some very personal elements of the stories, ballroom dance and the splashy styles of MGM movie making,” Kane adds.
The soundtrack includes classic hits such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “Viva Las Vegas,” “Play It Again Sam,” “Born to Be Wild” and “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, 8 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21, and 2 p.m. Nov. 22, at the Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall. Tickets are $18. Call 614-823-1109 or visit www.otterbein.edu/drama for tickets or more information.
