Venue Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Howitt Street, Wendouree

A Critical Stages and The Follies Company production

SYNCOPATION By Allan Knee

SYNCOPATION is a smash-hit fusion of comedy, drama, romance and ballroom dancing set in the exciting, electric rush of New York City in 1912.

Henry Ribolow is a Jewish meatpacker crazy with a dream of becoming a ballroom dancer, and desperate for a dance partner. Anna Bianchi, an Italian Catholic seamstress, is unsatisfied with her life until she spots a curious ad in the paper:

“Give your life a lift. Wanted: A Dance Partner to dance for royalty.”

From the moment Anna summons up the courage to answer the ad, sparks fly. As Anna and Henry take their first steps together they embark on a journey that will transform their lives.

They dance, urged on by the jazzy rhythms and haunting melodies of Gershwin, Joplin and Berlin. The beautiful story of Henry and Anna takes flight, soaring in amazing ballroom routines choreographed by Dancing with the Stars choreographer/dancer Mark Hodge and under the direction of Broadway’s Tony Award ®-nominated Stephen Lloyd Helper.

“A COMPELLING STORY THAT PROMENADES, FOXTROTS AND TANGOS TO LIFE

- The Age

“This is a play with dance. What a play and what a dance! I shall go again - you should go at least once!

- 3MBS FM

“An enjoyable piece - I haven’t seen a better judged performance this year.

- Herald Sun

“Original, invigorating and wondrous, SYNCOPATION will sweep you into its magic and leave you dancing on air!

- theatrepeople.com

CAST INCLUDES

Emma Palmer

DIRECTOR

Stephen Lloyd Helper (Fiddler on the Roof, Smokey Joe’s Café)

CHOREOGRAPHER

Mark Hodge (Dancing with the Stars, Moulin Rouge)

DESIGNER

Adrienne Chisholm

SOUND DESIGNER

Darrin Verhagen