The importance of having arts appreciation studies in schools is an issue that continually draws debate. Questions about what value students get from these studies is at the heart of the discussion. Some answers to those questions are in a new show now playing at Paper Mill Playhouse. The world premier of Take the Lead introduces a new musical based on the 2006 movie of the same name. It tells the true story of Pierre Dulaine who was a champion ballroom dancer. Dulaine is a co-founder of Dancing Classrooms, an arts education program designed to enhance essential life skills through social dance. Dancing Classrooms was brought into the New York City schools where, over the last 30 years, hundreds of thousands of student have participated.
Take the Lead is directed and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli. Gattelli. This fine direction brings together a number of elements that make this an informative show because it tells a true story dealing with arts education. It is also very entertaining as a strong cast transform into ballroom dancers. Both ballroom and hip hop music and dance are performed. This fusion of the two styles provides one of the biggest reasons to see Take the Lead as it makes for an interesting approach to telling the story.
Take the Lead is Based on A True Story
The book for Take the Lead musical is by Robert Cary and Jonathan Tolins. It starts in the early years of Pierre Dulaine as he and his partner, Alan Ford, open a dance school, The school specializes in ballroom dance and students win many championships. Pierre is in the midst of examining an offer to be a judge on a show similar to American Idol. However, the couple break up. This causes Pierre to lose his place at the school and he seeks a new direction for his life.
Through a series of events, Pierre goes to a fictitious school in the South Bronx named Drake High School. He meets Assistant Principal Arianna Ray who is in a state of stress. The source of the stress is that she needs to hire an Arts Appreciation teacher. Pierre eagerly accepts the offer.
Pierre’s work with the students provides the major parts of the story. Not only is the work he does with them part of the plot, but their own stories also are a part as well. For example, we meet Rock and LaRhette who have conflicts between their families. Although that theme is present in shows like Romeo and Juliet, this one ends much better. The reason it does is because of the dance instruction that Pierre brings to the class. Yes, dance instruction designed to help students relate better to each other.
So while the students learn ballroom dancing, their own expressionism comes in. Hip hop dance is also performed making for a most unique blending of styles.
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
The students eventually compete in a beautiful ballroom dance competition. They have to earn their way there through rehearsals and fund raising. But, no fair telling the ending. Hint: you won’t be disappointed.
Music Fuses Hip Hop and Traditional Songs
The music and lyrics are by Elliah Heifetz and Zeniba Now with Orchestrations and Arrangements by Geoffrey Ko and Bill Sherman. Ko also provides Music Direction and Sherman provides Music Supervision. The fusing together of hip hop and more traditional song styles creates a unique and very interesting score. There are sixteen songs with several having reprisals.
I enjoyed all of the songs in this show but a few stood out. Arianna’s “Hold Please” was funny but totally accurate as it showed an under staffed school office.
“Don’t Get Me Started” performed by the Drake students gives a good look at who is in the class. “Let’s Begin” sung by Rock and LaRhette is the start of two people realizing they are going to work together and make the best of it. Maybe because I’m also a teacher, but “My Kids” touched something inside of me.
Lots of Fabulous Dancing
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Choreography is by Jennifer Weber and Maria Torres with additional assistance from Director Christopher Gattelli. Similar to the music, the choreography is a fusion of ballroom and hip hop.
The dancing provides the high points of the show. The talented cast provide a high level of accomplishment with their dance skills. Especially enjoyable is the big dance competition towards the end of the show. But the impromptu moments of hip hop dance are enjoyable as well.
Well Developed Staging
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
The staging for this show is exceptionally well done. The Paper Mill Playhouse has a very large stage and every inch of it is put to good use. Paul Tate DePoo III provides scenic direction with lighting design by Justin Townsend and Nick Solyom.
Sound design by Walter Trarbach gives a lot of emphasis to a number of parts of the production, The production stage manager is Molly Meg Legal.
The opening of the show is impressive. Dance couples assemble as spotlights shine on them and sounds of recognition of the moment play. Think Dancing with the Stars but on a grander scale. The scene shown in the picture right above shows the well developed sets which allow for plenty of room for the dancers to perform.
Another interesting set is the basement classroom where Pierre works with his students. Once again, there is room left for hip hop performances to take place.
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
The transitions between scenes are quick and flawlessly done. This allows the very active pace of the show to continue on without interruption.
An Outstanding Cast
With a strong singing voice, Tam Mutu does a superb job of playing the title role of Pierre Dulaine.
Adrienne Bailon-Houghton provides a great mix of humor and singing as Assistant Principal Arianna Ray.
Vincent Jamal Hooper is a standout in the role of Rock.
Savy Jackson does an amazing performance playing La Rhette.
Matthew Risch turns in a fine performance as Alan Ford.
A big round of applause goes out to the hard working ensemble. This is an outstanding group of performers who act, sing, and dance and give first rate performances. The ensemble includes Eric Ascione, Megan Elyse Fulmer, Gaelen Gilliland, David Jennings, Dillon Lehman, Natalia Nieves, Justin O’Brien, Kevin Trinio Perdido, Ryan Raffloer, Deon Releford-Lee, Cristian Rodriguez, Kiki Rodriguez, Jonalyn Saxer, Tatiana Seliverstova, SeQuoiia, Grace Slear, Salome Smith, Stephani Sosa, Christian Whan, and Zoë Zimmerman.
Additional Information for Take the Lead
Run Time: Approxiimately 2 hr. 15 minutes with one intermission
Location: Paper Mill Playhouse – 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ
Website: papermill.org
Performances: Now through April 27, 2025. Accessible performances include:
* AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES – Sunday, April 20 at 1:30pm and Saturday, April 26 at 1:30pm.
* OPEN-CAPTIONED PERFORMANCES – Saturday, April 26 at 1:30pm and Sunday, April 27 at 7:00pm.
* An ASL-INTERPRETED PERFORMANCE – Sunday, April 27 at 7:00pm.
Suggested Audience: Theater goers who enjoy musicals especially those which feature dancing.
Additional Information: The Paper Mill Playhouse offers good parking close to the theater. The venue for the show has comfortable seating with good views from all parts of the theater. Enjoy some refreshments before the show or during intermission in the lobby or on the second floor. Pre-show food and drinks are also available at the Carriage House Restaurant right across from the entrance to the theater.
The Paper Mill Playhouse does an outstanding job of providing accessibility, Check the website on their Access for All page for more information.
