Circle City Tap Company

IndyFringe: Second Annual Tap Cabernet

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This is part of IndyFringe 2021, Aug. 19-Sept. 5 (individual performance times vary) in downtown Indianapolis. Details and tickets at IndyFringe.org.

By John Lyle Belden

If you don’t like tap-dancing, this show isn’t for you.

But if you like to see hoofers hoofin’ it, the Tap Cabernet is your cup of tea — or whatever is in your glass. You will need to acquire your own beverage at the upstairs Athenaeum bar, but during one number, snacks will be provided.

Following through on the pun of the title, this cabaret revue has members of Circle City Tap shuffling to various hits with the topic of wine and other strong beverages. We get the energetic talented tap stylings of Jeff Bird, Lora Dingledine, Ashley Lain, Tanya Radisich, and Ashlee Yackley, who also lends her voice to the “karaoke” number. And Lorenda Carr is drafted into hosting duties despite still celebrating her birthday.

Baskets of props add to the fun. Along with routines to songs like “Good Time Cheap Wine” and “Margaritaville”, there is also a nod to the recent “wine and paint” trend in which several audience volunteers get to make an original artwork.

And if you know a step or two yourself, all are invited to join in on the traditional “shim-sham” at the end — this time to a sassy recent pop hit. 

IndyFringe: The Rhythm Chronicles

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By Wendy Carson

The Rhythm Chronicles strives to give the viewer a history lesson on the evolution of tap dancing in America. However, much of this is done through the use of a pre-recorded “conversation” between two disembodied voices. Not only is this device sluggish and often condescending, it greatly detracts from the dancing itself, which is the whole point of the show. Also, it doesn’t help that the voices speak over a dark empty stage, further making the show feel disjointed.

That said, let’s talk about the dancing. From the opening Irish step-dancer and African tribal performer, the dance numbers highlighted are wonderful. The skill, athleticism as well as the style are all excellent and the dancers are all a joy to watch. Each number builds upon the previous, leading up to a grand finale that is worth the whole ticket price alone.

Hopefully, Circle City Tap Company will find a way to rework this show with a better narrative tool so it can be the fully realized gem that the show should be.

And a note for hoofers of any skill: all in the audience are invited down to the stage at the end to join in the Shim-Sham Shimmy.

Performances are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 26-28, on the Phoenix Theatre main stage. Info and tickets at indyfringefestival.com.