Town Hall Theater Presents MARLEY AND WE 4/2

You can't dance on just anything. Professional dance companies use a special floor covering known as a Marley, which is smooth, soft on the feet, and happily splinter-free. This explains why the upcoming dance concert at Town Hall Theater has the odd title Marley and We. Dancers from all over the area will descend on Middlebury's historic theater, donating their talents to raise money for the new dance floor.

"People support us in all kinds of ways," says THT executive Director Douglas Anderson, "but this concert is really special. The dancers want this floor and they've taken it upon themselves to make it happen."

The event features a thrilling range of dancing. "I don't know where or when you'd see so many different styles in one concert," says Anderson. World dance is represented by Gerd Hirshmann, Cathy Salmons and company (Argentine tango), Beth Anne McFadden (Irish dance), and Simbo Camara (African dance).

They will be joined by rhythm tapper Joan Derry, contemporary choreographer/performers Andrea Olsen and Tiffany Rhynard, and popular teacher, dancer and choreographer Patty Smith

Rounding out the bill is Middlebury College's extraordinary student troupe, the Dance Company of Middlebury, under the direction of Penny Campbell.

If the show draws an audience, the next time these dancers perform at THT the floor will be a gleaming new Marley.

Marley and We will be performed at Town Hall Theater on Friday, April 2, at 8 pm. Tickets are $18, and may be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sun, noon-5 pm) and at the door.

Photo credit Bob Handelman