By John Lyle Belden
In the performance world, we sometimes find something that is so cool, but with a limited audience, and declare it a “best-kept secret.” However, every producer and performer would much prefer that the “secret” get out!
Such is the case with Gregory Glade Hancock, whose Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre has developed a local cultural phenomenon with the “Mélange” series. As we’ve noted in past reviews, it is: One vocalist; one dancer; one visual artist; no rehearsal. Together they collaborate on the spot, with the vocals inspiring movement inspiring art. Thanks to the dedication and professionalism of all involved, the combination works for one-of-a-kind experiences. The artwork is even auctioned at the end of the performance (funds go to GHDT programs) for a unique souvenir.
The best of these so far (and they have all been great) was held on April 18-19. Vocalist Evelyn Rai leaned in on the concept by presenting what she called “a conversation between music, movement, art, and the human heart.” She then proceeded to deliver, with minimal preparation, a song and spoken word stream-of-consciousness performance based on her autobiographical book “From Grief to Grace.” It felt like a rhythm and blues sermon, delivering life wisdom such as “there is a beautiful side to grief” and “in every season there is a lesson.”
Meanwhile, as artist Christina Hollering worked diligently at her easel, dancer Cody Miley (a veteran of Dance Kaleidoscope who has performed with GHDT) interpreted Rai’s words in flowing movement. He seemed a little impish at first, even invading the artist’s space to playfully dab a bit of her charcoal on his face. However, it becomes evident that his method is to link together the elements, bringing human connection to artistic endeavor. Rai goes with this, even indulging Miley by taking his hand for a few joyous steps. For this Mélange, the trio was a foursome, as Ian Dunlap on keyboards provided perfect accompaniment, and even got to play a solo.
In a word, the experience of April’s show felt transcendent. Find out what superlatives you can attach to the next Mélange on May 16-17 in The Florence performance space at the Academy of Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, 329 Gradle Dr., Carmel. This will feature vocalist Angela Manlove, dancer Olivia Payton, and visual artist Debbie Slack.
Manlove is a powerhouse performer whom we have seen twice in the iconic Sarah role in “Ragtime,” once in the Whitney Houston role in the musical of “The Bodyguard,” and in a major supporting role (The Moon) in “Caroline, or Change.” Which, if any, of this material she brings will be a surprise to all – but still spectacular.
Payton, a GHDT company regular who was the lead character in the recent “Exodus,” last performed a Mélange two years ago. Her balance of athleticism and grace, we described then, was a “sultry style (that) perfectly complemented every song… She seemed to feel her way through the various moods evoked by (the) vocals.”
Slack, who works in an expressionist style on varied subject matter, states on her website, “For me, painting is both a joyful and deeply spiritual process.” Her gallery includes still lifes, as well as capturing the motion of Indy race cars.
Get tickets ($25 each) at gregoryhancockdancetheatre.org. And help spread the word!
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