Could I Have This Dance? is presented by The Group Rep. Written by Doug Haverty. Directed by Kathleen R. Delaney. Produced by Brent Beerman for The Group Rep.
Could I Have This Dance? was developed at The Group Rep and premiered at The Colony in 1991. Since then, it has traveled the world. And now, more than 30 years later, it is produced for the first time at The Group Rep’s stage The Lonny Chapman Theatre.
Monica (Anna Connelly) runs Grapevine, a successful public relations company. She is dating Colin (Andy Shephard), a famous photographer who goes on assignments around the world. Monica’s sister is Amanda (Anica Petrovic), who is dating Errol (Sean Babcock, Motel 66), a much younger man. Monica and Amanda live with their parents Hank (Lloyd Pedersen, Harold and Maude, Morning’s at Seven, Motel 66) and Jeanette (Clara Rodriguez, Harold and Maude, Motel 66). Jeanette has Huntington’s disease, a rare and inherited condition that involves psychiatric, cognitive, and movement disorders (Jeanette has repetitive movements as if dancing).
The rhythm of the play with its tensions and resolutions creates a rich story with characters facing their strengths and insecurities in the face of uncertainty. Monica is a character with a profoundly human bent. She embodies an image of success and self-determination, but one of risk as well. Getting pregnant is like playing Russian roulette, risking the possibility of passing on the gene of Huntington’s disease to a child. However, the human factor is always present. The yearning of motherhood is almost impossible to resist. And risking it all, Monica decides to go all the way.
All of the characters go through a transformative experience, but Monica is perhaps the character that mirrors more closely the dramatic transformation of Jeanette. The diagnosis became a turning point for Jeanette, forcing her to face a whole new reality. For Monica, her biological clock keeps ticking, urging her to take drastic decisions that transform her expectations and commitments.
The script is brilliant and the six actors nail the dialogue and the action. Connelly and Petrovic are excellent, delivering a fascinating bantering between the two sisters and stressing the fears and hopes of a family dealing with a challenging situation. Shephard and Babcock also show their fine performance skills, contributing with their sharp comedic timing, much to the audience’s delight. These four actors are cleverly paired up with Pedersen and Rodriguez, two experienced stage actors that continue to deliver stellar performances on The Group Rep’s productions.
Director Kathleen R. Delaney brings alive the exhilarating rhythm of the play, creating a compelling blend of comedy and drama. Her work with the actors capture the poignancy of Doug Haverty‘s writing in a way that makes the audience get emotionally invested with the characters. And to add more value to this production, the beautiful set resembles the original 1991 staging at The Colony. Also, the costumes are a wayback machine to the 80s. These are details that show the level of commitment of the creative team and offer an attractive production to the audience.
Could I Have This Dance? is an extraordinary play with outstanding performances, a true gem in the theatre scene. It doesn’t fall into the trap of clichéd sentimentalism. Rather, it explores with humor and wit the beauty of human connections and the unbreakable bond of a family dedicated to care for one of their own.
Could I Have This Dance?
The Lonny Chapman Theatre – Main Stage
10900 Burbank Blvd.,
North Hollywood 91601
March 29 – May 5, 2024. Fridays & Saturdays 8pm. Sunday Matinees 2pm.
Sunday Talkbacks with the cast and staff March 31 and April 7, after the matinees.
Tickets: thegrouprep.com
Written by Doug Haverty. Directed by Kathleen R. Delaney. Produced by Brent Beerman for The Group Rep.
Cast: Sean Babcock, Anna Connelly, Anica Petrovic, Lloyd Pedersen, Clara Rodriguez, and Andy Shephard.
Creative team: Set Designer Kathi Chaplar, Lighting Designer Frank McKown, Costume Designer Shon LeBlanc, Sound Designer Nick Foran.
