Tap’s full on, but not with added polish

Jill Sykes
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday 8 January 2011

Dein Perry’s industrial-strength Tap Dogs has lost none of its spark in 16 years.

While its raw edges have become stylised, the shows character has kept its sexy, rough-and-ready appeal and the elements that made it a hit from the start have been fine-tuned to give it a lusty polish.

Tap dancing drives it from start to finish: tough and pounding, gentle and beguiling, musical in its variation of tone as well as rhythms. Solos and duets give the cast plenty to get their feet into, but the best sequences are for five or all six of the dancers in tight-packed formation, perfectly synchronised in sight and sound – a human percussion group for the eyes.

Nigel Triffit’s fast-paced production, with surprising contrasts in theatrical light and shade, has them deconstructing and building the set several times over without missing a beat. They are challenged by all kinds of surfaces, steep angles, ladders. These guys can dance anywhere they can put their feet – even upside down.

The great thing about this show – as distinct from various overseas competitors over the years – is that the sound and vision are almost entirely sourced from tap dancing. There is no need for clashing rubbish bin lids or body percussion or spin-off scenarios. And of course, there are no words other than the occasional onstage comment that helps build the camaraderie – but there are plenty of action jokes. Some of these, especially the water-based gems, go a little further than they did in 1995. Yet the creative spirit of the piece remains true to its origins in the Newcastle factory belt.

Tap Dogs is entertaining and admirable in the sense that you can see the skill involved without letting it get in the way of the fun.

The characterisations are formulaic, but that doesn’t spoil it with this teriffic team of performers, Adam Garcia, currently top dog, has star recognition for his TV and film roles, but he doesn’t outshine the dancing of his current 2IC, Sheldon Perry, and they are well matched by Matt Papa, Donovan Helma, Jesse Rasmussen and Richie Miller.