Groovaloo, a Fusion of Dance, Poetry and Theatre, to Begin Dec. 1 Off-Broadway

By Kenneth Jones
24 Nov 2009

Bradley Rapier and the cast of Groovaloo
Bradley Rapier and the cast of Groovaloo
Photo by Levi Walker

Groovaloo, the dance-theatre show seen at the Joyce Theater earlier this fall, will bounce into Off-Broadway's Union Square Theatre beginning Dec. 1 toward a Dec. 8 opening.

Since the Joyce engagement, Groovaloo has been reinvented by its creators for the new limited run to Jan. 3, 2010. It's billed as "a rare collision of theatre, contemporary dance, hip-hop and freestyle." Big League Productions Inc. is producing.

The Groovaloo dancers were the winners of NBC's "Superstars of Dance," and have appeared on TV's "So You Think You Can Dance," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "The Wayne Brady Show."

According to production notes, "Based on the troupe's true-to-life experiences as told by the dancers who lived them, Groovaloo is driven by intoxicating displays of physicality, a vibrant musical score and powerful spoken-word poetry."

The show’s intertwined stories "chronicle the struggles, hopes and triumphs of the 18-member cast." Groovaloo brings to theatrical life "the circle" — a ring that forms when street dancers traditionally gather to show off their moves. The show "presents the circle as the place its members have come for encouragement, as well as an implicit challenge to always deliver one's best."

"We created Groovaloo as a new form of entertainment that truly blurs the lines between theatre and dance," stated creator Bradley Rapier. "The story is told through movement though we also feature spoken word poetry as well as compelling stories which add to the show's theatricality. We look forward to spending the holidays with New York City audiences 'in the circle' at the Union Square Theater."

Groovaloo is conceived and created by Bradley Rapier and Danny Cistone in collaboration with the Groovaloos, and directed by Cistone. This production team includes scenic designer Laura Fine Hawkes, costume designer Mora Stephens, lighting designer Charlie Morrison and sound designers Lucas Corrubia and Michael H.P. Viveros. Music supervisors are Steven Stanton and Bradley Rapier. The executive producer is Daniel Sher.

The Union Square Theatre is at 100 E. 17th St.

Tickets range $25-$69 with premium seating available. Groovaloo plays Tuesday–Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 3 PM and 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM and 7 PM.

The special holiday schedule is Dec. 21 at 8 PM, Dec. 22 at 8 PM, Dec. 23 at 3 & 8 PM, Dec. 24 (dark), Dec. 25 (dark), Dec. 26 at 3 & 8 PM, Dec. 27 at 3 & 7 PM, Dec. 29 at 8 PM, Dec. 30 at 3 & 8 PM, Dec. 31 at 7:30 PM, Jan. 1, 2010 (dark), Jan. 2 at 3 & 8 PM, Jan. 2 at 3 & 7 PM.

For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (212) 307-4100. For more information, visit www.Groovaloo.com.