October 9, 2002
CONTACT: Thelma Goldberg (781) 863-5360 or Joshua Hilberman (617) 776-8170

Dance Inn Productions and Joshua Hilberman present: Rhythm at the Regent November 1, 2002 at 8PM at the Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street, Arlington Center Tickets $28. For info call 781-646-4849 or http://www.regenttheater.com/

This one-night only tap dance spectacular features the brilliant concert performer (and senior citizen) Brenda Bufalino, arguably the most important tap artist of the last 50 years, and German sensations Tap and Tray--Kurt Albert and Klaus Blei--"The Siegfried and Roy of Tap" (New York Times). Joined by a local hoofer, the internationally renowned Josh Hilberman, and a local impresario, Lexington's multi-talented Thelma Goldberg, the show includes singer/dancer Little Rose, fabulous Lindy Hop from the Kamikaze Jitterbugs, and the eccentric physical hilarity of Bob E. Thomas. The Legacy Dancers of the Dance Inn--the Northeast's closest approximation of an actual tap dance repertory company--fill out the program with their usual flare.

Paul Arslanian, who has performed with every tap dancer of note over the past thirty years, leads the swinging trio on piano, joined by big George Kaye on bass, and the noted drummer and Berklee guru Ron Savage on drums.

With feet blazing and silver trays spinning, Tap and Tray have delighted audiences across the world. Their act has roots that stretch back into the late 1940's, when dancer Carnell Lyons (Jesse, James, and Carnell; The Businessmen of Rhythm) moved from New York City to Berlin, Germany. Eventually marrying an East German contortionist, with whom he performed worldwide into the 1970's, Carnell began to teach in Berlin in the early 1980's. In addition to his repertoire of dance steps, he taught two of his protégées, Kurt Albert and Klaus Bleis, the novelty for which his Businessmen of Rhythm had been known--tray spinning.

As a performer, choreographer, documentarian, producer, scholar, writer, and perhaps most importantly, educator, Brenda Bufalin has created so many legacies for so many dancers that it is safe to say that every person dancing on stage at the Regent has been influenced by her teachings and inspiration. Last seen in these parts when she was recipient of the 2001 Tapestry Award, Brenda has probably contributed more to the thirty-year renaissance of tap dance than any other single individual. She remains a brilliant jazz concert performer. Will she sing? Chant? Play the Concertina? Recite poetry? Deliver a monologue? Loop her sound electronically? Most certainly she will show why she still delivers more meaningful tap for the buck than any other dancer working.

In a month where the heavily parodied Lord of the Dance and the heavy-footed Bring in Da Noise/Bring in Da Funk both slam into Boston, Rhythm at the Regent provides a refreshing contrast: an opportunity to experience the nuance, beauty, taste, touch and humor of America's beloved jewel, tap dance.