Amazing dance and stirring music make “Heartbeat of Home” a must see production

By SUE SUCHYTA

            The dancing and music of “Heartbeat of Home,” a must-see for dance aficionados, is at the Fisher Theater now through Sunday. Offering Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban combinations, the numbers are thrilling, sexy and very well performed.

The live band and amazing background graphics grab your attention, then the incredible dancing takes over and mesmerizes.  Never have I seen more talented male dancers on stage – and they were both sexy and incredibly skilled!  The women were wonderful as well, but the skill and sensuality of the men onstage was amazing.

The show is a unique blend of cultural dance influences, and included traditional Irish dancing, tangos, salsa, and even waltzes.

Each scene tells a story, with parties and romantic attraction predominating, but some were whimsical and fun, such as the “Don’t Slip Jig,” where eight of the male dancers did rhythmic, tap-like dancing on a platform against a panoramic backdrop, as if they were steelworkers on a high-rise against an iconic black and white cityscape.

The partnering skills of the dancers – especially the lifts – were amazing.  You could tell that many of the dancers had strong backgrounds in multiple dance disciplines, from ballet to ethnic styles.

Lyrical dancer Renako McDonald was amazing with his Afro-Cuban moves, and his strength made his partnering lifts seem amazingly effortless. His work with Kieran Donovan is notable as well.

Flamenco dancers Rocio Montoya and Stefano Domit are stylish and fascinating to watch, and Montoya’s beautifully beaded gowns are easily the most spectacular costumes in the show.

Latin dancers Clare Craze, Vanessa Guevara, Curtis Angus and Angelo Gioffre’ were amazing as well, especially performing passionate dances.

Vocalist Lucia Evans added her beautiful voice to the show, and even held her own when swept up into a waltz with the dancers.

There is camaraderie in the ensemble performance, from the dancers to the vocalists to the musicians. They keep it light, and despite their polish and professionalism, never appears to take themselves too seriously.

“Heartbeat of Home” is in Detroit now through Sunday, March 23 at the Fisher Theater. Thursday, Friday and Saturday night shows are at 7:30 p.m., with 1 p.m. matinees Thursday and Sunday and a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee.

Tickets range from $35 to $85, and are available through Ticketmaster and the Fisher Theater box office.

For tickets, call 313-871-1132, 1-800-982-2787 or go to www.ticketmaster.com or www.BroadwayInDetroit.com.