They stare at each other with steely gazes, hearts racing as they anticipate their opponents’ next moves. A hush falls over the scene as it becomes clear that not everyone here will survive to tell the tale. Somebody’s going to get hurt. Somebody’s going to bleed. But most importantly, somebody’s going to jazz-hand and high-kick for his or her life.
Yes, it’s time for the gayest gang-style showdown since the Sharks vs. the Jets in West Side Story — Uptown Players’ Annual Fundraiser, Broadway Our Way. Yet instead of switchblades and guns, the weapons that will determine the winners of this men-against-women showdown for Ultimate Diva Supremacy will be vibratos, arpeggios and a mean Fosse-style chair humping.
The show, now beginning its second decade, is the primary fundraiser of the year for Uptown Players. And it’s always a hoot.
Filled with notable Broadway hits past and present, the performers put a unique spin on nearly every number. Whether a singer stands alone with nothing but a spotlight or the stage comes to life in an elaborately choreographed production number, the talent of this theater company always shines bright.
Directed by B.J. Cleveland and starring a cast of dozens that includes Coy Covington, Lee Jamison, Linda Leonard, Stephanie Riggs and Angel Velasco, Broadway Our Way is consistently one of our favorite shows of the year.
Mostly because we already know all the words. And Paul J. Williams sometimes sits in our lap.
Broadway Our Way
Uptown Players’ Annual Fundraiser
January 18-27
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2pm
$40 – $45 (includes reception after each performance)
Kalita Humphreys Theater
3636 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas
www.uptownplayers.org
