About This Show
In a one night only program, celebrating tap dance, live jazz, percussion and world music, the Aratani Japan America Theatre welcomes back Rhapsody in Taps for its 2008 fall season! This brilliant experience in tap dance and musical improvisation will include pieces like Tribute to Foster Johnson, Mambo Musings, BEAT! Percussion Discussion, along with solos by Rhapsody in Taps’ "fast feet" tap phenomenon Bob Caroll, and “Deciduous Dances,” a duet by company Artistic Director, Linda Sohl-Ellison and master percussionist, Monti Ellison. Plus “Laughing with Tears,” composed by Russian-born clarinet virtuoso, Leo Chelyapov, and choreographed by Sohl-Ellison, with Chelyapov performing as a special guest with the company. Join this evening of infectious rhythms, an experience encompassing everything from the solo poetry to the ensemble energy of a Rhapsody in Taps!
“Rhapsody in Taps elicited the kind of fervor usually reserved for jazz great or a prized athletic team. They created an energy as inexorable as a speeding train and no less beautiful.” – The Los Angeles Times
“They are tremendous…they have a serious repertoire.” – Gregory Hines