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10/23/2017

Owen/Cox Dance Group with the People's Liberation Big Band at Polsky Theatre

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​Plastic Sax

An irreverent and opinionated guide to jazz in Kansas City.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Review: The Owen/Cox Dance Group with the People's Liberation Big Band at Polsky Theatre

Brad Cox described the sculptures of Linda Lighton as “a little bit provocative” in his opening remarks at the second and final performance of “In the Rompus Room” at Polsky Theatre on Sunday.  A similar sense of provocation infused the daring collaboration between the Owen/Cox Dance Group and the People’s Liberation Big Band.

The first half of the program played to the considerable strengths of both ensembles. Owen’s choreography for seven athletic dancers echoed the lavish exuberance of a Busby Berkeley musical.  Portions of the extended suite “In the Rompus Room” resembled the love child of an impassioned tryst between George Gershwin’s 
“Rhapsody in Blue” and the jazz standard “Caravan.”

The People’s Liberation Big Band expanded the possibilities of Kansas City’s big band tradition with “In the Rompus Room,” but Cox’s “Letterbox” was a comparatively delicate art-pop song cycle.  While portions of the composition were worthy of Stephen Sondheim, the storyline was indecipherable. No matter.
​
The murkiness of the narrative was offset by inviting elements including the ravishing harmonies of vocalists Calvin Arsenia and Shay Estes and imaginative choreography that effectively conveyed jubilance, melancholy and desire. Enhanced by suggestive mood lighting and superb sound, the production was a beguiling union of music and dance.

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OUR MISSION:

Owen/Cox Dance Group's mission is to create new music and dance collaborations, to present high-quality contemporary dance performances with live music, and to engage as wide an audience as possible through affordable live performance, education and outreach programs.
Owen/Cox Dance Group is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation. Donations made to Owen/Cox Dance Group are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Owen/Cox Dance Group is part of the Combined Federal Campaign, CFC #16312.
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  • Home
  • Performances
    • Events Calendar
    • Season Ticket Package
  • ABOUT
    • Mission
    • Directors
    • Board
    • Artists >
      • Dancers
      • Musicians
      • Artists
    • Touring Information
    • DEI Commitment
    • Annual Reports
  • Press
    • Electronic Press Kit
    • Articles and Reviews
  • Media
  • Education
    • Take the Stage
    • Paseo Academy
    • Public Events
  • Support
    • Donate
    • Annual Fundraiser
    • Volunteer
    • Sponsors
  • Contact