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Swango
is Splendid!
Audiences
enthusiastic over Robert Royston's new stage production!
Told through the heartbreaking love story of two dancers from different
worlds, "SWANGO, The Fusion" exposes the odds each must face.
Robert Royston and Mariela Franganillo portray the young lovers whose
mutual attraction emboldens them to defy their worlds and create a new
and thrilling dance form fusing Argentine Tango and West Coast Swing.
The
production was written, produced and starred by Robert and Mariela.
Their work was enthusiastically received. For
three nights at the Helen Hayes Theatre in New York, some 1,300
spectators screamed, applauded and participated in their seats while
dancers were performing on the stage.
The
show itself was a stunning contrast between the Swing and Tango dance
styles - each showcasing the power and seductiveness of its particular
genre. But the fusion of both was truly exciting.
The first act was essentially one group of dancers trying to out-perform
the other. It later erupted into a feud between the two dance
worlds, climaxing in a virtual war. All this time, Robert and Mariela -
each from opposite worlds - begin to feel an attraction and respect for
one another and for their individual dance styles.
The
second act brings the two lead dancers closer together and, through
their forged trust, infuses the other dancers with a willingness to
"just dance". Soon, both styles begin merging into one
and the result is fantastic.
The
audience members loved the dancing, loved the dancers and loved
the concept of the overall show. As the actors did in the show
itself, the Tangonians yelled and applauded each time "their"
dancers performed their erotic dances. When the tables turned, the Swingers in the audience screamed and thundered their
approval for the West Coasties. Then, when both dances were
"fused" together, the entire audience became completely swept up in the
choreographic electricity. In fact, for the last few minutes of the
show, the audience was on its feet applauding and dancing in the
aisles. It was quite remarkable.
People were overheard to say that they "loved the show" that
"it just flew by" and that "they had to tell a friend to
come see it". The production, because of still being in
development, was only 90 minutes long, and so it was easy to understand
why the audience was clamoring for more. They just loved it and couldn't
get enough. However, not even another 90 minutes would likely satisfy
the most ardent fans. That's a tribute to great dancers and
great dancing.
Where did the spectators come from? All over! There were folks
from the area, from NYC, NJ, CT, PA, MA, and RI. The box office
estimated that over 150 Swing dancers called to order tickets after seeing the
special feature on the USA Swing Net - demonstrating the powerful
support of Swing dancers everywhere as well as expressing the great respect and
fondness that the Swing family has for their fellow Swing dancers in the
cast - Robert & Nicola Royston, Laureen Baldovi, Ronnie DeBenedetta,
Jason Colacino, Katie Boyle, and Mark Eckstein.
The production will continue to expand and develop to make the
"love story" a stronger theme in the show. The producers
will be adding a few more numbers to increase the tension between the
castmembers from the two
dance worlds.
On
behalf of Swing dancers everywhere, congratulations to Robert Royston
and his cast of Swing Superstars. We're extremely proud of you
all!
(Oscar Sales,
Marketing Director of the Helen Hayes Theatre, provided the primary
content for this article.)
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