Kaely Monahan
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Like a surge in an electrical grid, Flash Mob, exploded onto stage with heart-throbbing pizzazz.  Fans of network dance shows will cheer to see their favourite artists live on stage.  

The theatre was packed with young fans all eager to see ballroom superstars like Kevin Clifton and Karen Hauer, and the incomparable pop-n-lock group Flawless.  At first I was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of pre-teen girls that had descended like a flock of tittering birds to the Peacock Theatre.  However, after seeing the show I could understand why.

In a clear nod to the texting-age, the theatre was filled with sounds of mobile phones ringing, beeping, and chirping while we waited for the show to start.  Running lights of various colours raced across the stage walls, giving everything a decidedly Tron-like touch.  When the lights went out, giant text messages appeared as the dancers coordinated their flash mob.

I will admit that from the opening routine I was hooked, but I wasn’t too sure about the love story.  The first half of the show was dedicated to it.  The two lovers were a modern duo Alleviate. Despite not been keen on the story itself, Nicolette and Renako were phenomenal.  Their best routine was the engagement dance – their connection was tangible and touching.

During the second half of the show things really picked up.  It opened with swanky mobster bar set and brilliant group number to It Don’t Mean A Thing.  

Tommy Franzen was incredible.  His ridiculous “late-for-work” dance in the first act was hilarious as he perfectly captured the morning-after hangover.  But it was his routine to Apocalyptica’s One, that got the skin tingling.  His unique street-style dance with modern influences was full of awe. Franzen is a dancer who knows his music and his audience.  He was a sheer joy to watch.

An Irish step fusion duet, Bronsena, did what I always wanted to do when I was an Irish dancer: break all the rules!  Yet they did so with such precision and conscious consideration to the music.  Instead of feeling wrong, their dancing felt so righ. Their Vienna-ball inspired routine set to Beethoven was their best performance.

Flash Mob, at the Peacock Theatre, is definitely a must see show. But be prepared because the encore will feature you!



Published May 8th, 2014 on The Harker

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