The Public Theatre begins the second half of its season with “Dancing Lessons,” a delightfully unpredictable romantic comedy playing live March 11-20 at the theatre, 31 Maple St. in Lewiston, or by video on demand March 15-20. The curtain will be lifted at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 3 p.m. Saturday, March 19.
A combination of comedy and drama, the play tells the story of a science professor and a professional dancer who live solitary lives two floors apart in a New York apartment building. Senga, holed up in her apartment with a serious leg injury that threatens her career and identity, her socially awkward geoscientist neighbor, Ever, unexpectedly knocks on her door in desperate need of a dance lesson. Offering her an absurd amount of money to teach him some moves so he can avoid embarrassing himself at an awards dinner, these two mis-matched souls engage in a series of funny and poignant dance lessons that quickly lead both of them out of their comfort zones.
“‘Dancing Lessons’ is the perfect play for this moment in time,” says director Janet Mitchko, according to a news release from the theater “and a delightful antidote to the feeling of isolation that so many people have experienced during COVID. It’s about two people who have been living very isolated lives who learn how to connect with each other in ways that are both delightful and unpredictable. Charming, touching, funny and life-affirming, you’ll find yourself laughing and moved, often in the same moment in this tender-hearted, sweet comedy.”
Playing the wounded dancer Senga is Suzannah Herschkowitz. A graduate of the theatre drama program at Julliard, her recent credits include Coriolanus at The Public Theater in New York, and Detroit ’67 at Virginia Stage Company as well as the series “The Blacklist” and “The Last O.G.”
Playing her scientific neighbor Ever is Jed Peterson. Peterson played the great Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev in the world premier of “Nureyev’s Eyes” and originated the role of Harry “the Hat” in the national tour of “Cheers: Live On Stage.” He is a graduate of Moscow Art Theatre School (First American Ensemble), Princeton University, LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts, and the School of American Ballet.
The set for Dancing Lessons is designed by Amber Callahan, lights by Heather Crocker, costumes by Anne Collins, sound by John Morrison and choreography by Adam P. Blais.
New this season, The Public Theatre will offer a video-on-demand option of “Dancing Lessons” that will be recorded in front of a live audience that you can watch from home beginning March 15.
Dancing Lessons is sponsored by Androscoggin Bank, Lee Auto Malls, Butler Bros. and Patrons Oxford Insurance.
Tickets cost $25 for adults, with group rates available. Tickets as well as video-on-demand tickets can be purchased online at thepublictheatre.org or by calling 207-782-3200.