“Fosse,” Recaptures Bob Fosse’s (1927-1987) Triumphant Work as Choreographer-Director

by Sharon Kennedy, dcmdva-arts.org reviewer

 “Fosse,” winner of the 1999 Tony Award ® runs at the National Theatre through Sunday, December 31.  From start to finish, “Fosse,” more a dance program than a musical is impressive for two reasons.  First, “Fosse” stars and features many company members who are natives of this area (Maryland and Washington, DC).  

• Anika Ellis is a Washington, DC, native and Duke Ellington School of Arts graduate. 
• Rick Delancy is a Baltimore native.
• Josef Patrick Pescetto is a Baltimore, Maryland, native who graduated from the Baltimore School for the Arts.
• Terace Jones is a Washington, DC native who studied at Duke Ellington School of Arts
• Linda Bowen is a Silver Spring, Maryland native who last appeared on Broadway in “Chicago.”
• Lamae Caparas is a Fort Washington, Maryland native and currently a sophomore at Marymount Manhattan, New York, NY.

Photo: Rick Faugno in "Fosse"

“Fosse,” stars both Reva Rice and Linda Bowen, as mentioned above, a Silver Spring, Maryland native. In addition, the production features Terace Jones, Josef Patrick Pescetto, local to this area, plus April Nixon.

The second impressive feature is  the company’s total athleticism, grace, and energy throughout the dance numbers and musical tunes.  Throughout, the award winning, “Fosse,” you will relive the incredible legacy of Bob Fosse’s trademark choreography and contributions to musical theatre through this fabulous cast.  You will easily recognize the Fosse style and trademark as you watch the company progress through, “Fosse’s World,” “Bye Bye Blackbird,” from the "Liza with a Z," television special,” “Percussion 4" from “Dancin’,” “Big Spender,” from “Sweet Charity,” “Steam Heat,” from “The Pajama Game,” among many other numbers from dance elements inspired by Bob Fosse to “The Bob Hope Special.”

 “Fosse,” takes excerpts from various parts of Bob Fosse’s career, but most significantly picks representative pieces from the first and second half of Fosse’s career.  The first half of Fosse’s career focused on second generation musical comedies such as “Redhead,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and “Sweet Charity.”  Significant productions during the second half of Fosse’s career were the progressive musicals, such as “Pippin,” “Chicago,” and “Dancin’.”   Perhaps the significance of Bob Fosse’s career is the recognition that he is the only director of Broadway musicals who also succeeded as a film director.  

However, the highlight of “Fosse,” and Bob Fosse’s career is perhaps the “Steam Heat,” type of dance from “The Pajama Game,” that made Gwen Verdon, Artistic Advisor, a star.  The company exemplifies the Fosse trademark. 

• Movement in unison to staccato
• Syncopated rhythms in angular jerks
• Small groupings of dancers
• Turned-out Chaplinesque flat-footed steps
• Knocked on and even dance on knees
• Knocked-knees with angular movements and thrust chins 

Photo: The Company performs "Rich Man's Frug" from "Fosse"

Also easily recognizable and stunning is the Fosse trademark on costuming that focuses on or isolates dance. 

• Derby-hatted
• Black suited and white gloved
• Cocked hats with slightly bent knees and parallel arms

 In all, the suppleness, athleticism, grace, and energy display by the “Fosse,” Company will amaze and entertain. To see “Fosse,” during its run at the National Theatre, now through December 31, 2000, you can purchase tickets at the National Theatre box office or call Telecharge at 1-800-447-7400.