Founded by the Broadway veterans in 2004, dre.dance describes the people as a narrative dance-theatre work comprised of historical text and choreography that utilizes "the loose setting of a party to mirror events and interactions within our nation. Various political factions are represented, from evangelical right to radical left. the people challenges our notions of the fundamental principles that were meant to unite us."
Inhabiting the work are Janelle Abbott, Christina Black, Vince DeGeorge, Kathryn Fraggos, Jaqlyn Medlock, Kyle Mullins, Antuan Raimone and Tommy Scrivens.
Rob Reddy has created the original music for the people with text design by John Stroud and lighting design by Collin Costa.
Diggs and Palermo's dre.dance has also presented me, myself and lie, cold water and pre.view with composer Michael John LaChiusa.
Taye Diggs is known for his Broadway work in Rent, Wicked, Chicago, Annie Get Your Gun, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Carousel. His screen credits include "How Stella Got Her Groove Back," "Brown Sugar," "Chicago," "Rent," "Kevin Hill" and "Ally McBeal" as well as his current role on ABC's "Private Practice." Andrew Palermo has appeared in the Broadway companies of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Annie Get Your Gun and Wicked. He has choreographed concerts for Kristin Chenoweth, as well as the Prince Music Theatre production of Bright Lights Big City.
The people runs through Oct. 11. For tickets, priced $25, call (212) 220-1460 or visit www.TribecaPAC.org.
Tribeca Performing Arts Center is located at the Borough of Manhattan Community College at 199 Chambers Street.