“Start big, finish big, and they’ll forgive everything in between,” goes the age-old show business proverb. Yet if neither the start nor finish is strong, the forgiveness will be scarce. Such is the case with Take the Lead, a world premiere musical currently playing at Paper Mill Playhouse.
True stories make excellent material for entertainment and Pierre Dulaine’s life is no exception. (Dulaine was interviewed by this publication in 2014). Played here with vigor and finesse by Tam Mutu, Dulaine is a Palestinian born championship ballroom dancer whose family moved to Jordan and later to England where he developed a passion for dancing. He’d carry that interest throughout his life, winning several titles around the globe. Eventually, he co-created Dancing Classrooms, a nonprofit, educational arts organization that introduced ballroom dancing into New York City schools.
In 2005, a documentary entitled Mad Hot Ballroom about the program premiered and a year later, heartthrob Antonio Banderas portrayed Dulaine in the dramatized film Take the Lead.
Now, a creative team led by hitmaker Christopher Gattelli (Death Becomes Her), has adapted the film for the stage in a treatment that will need some fancier foot and book work before waltzing to Broadway.
Robert Cary and Jonathan Tolins’ script, along with Elijah Heifetz and Zeniba Now’s music and lyrics always play it on the safe, predictable side. Rarely, if ever does one lean into this show wondering what will happen next. Because we’ve seen this story and its plot twists several times before.
Take a dash of the classic sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter, add generous servings of films from the nineties and early aughts including Stand and Deliver, Lean on Me, Dangerous Minds, Music of the Heart, and Mr. Holland’s Opus and you have this musical. Heartwarming? Yes. Groundbreaking? No.
Gatelli also choreographs with Maria Torres assisting with the ballroom moves. Co-choreographer Jennifer Weber adds some hip hop to the mix and this talented cast pulls off every style with finesse but ultimately, it’s not enough for the show at large to clinch the grand trophy. Sure, it’s pleasant and entertaining enough, but with so many excellent theatrical riches abounding in the metro-area competing for your time and money, Take the Lead is better taking a backseat.
Take the Lead is now playing at Paper Mill Playhouse 22 Brookside Drive, Milburn NJ through April 27th. Tickets and information available here.