Song Man / Dance Man
Jon Peterson Embodies Iconic Musical Artists
Opening Saturday, September 10th, the Miami Beach Stage Door Theatre presents “Song Man Dance Man,” a one-man show about one-man shows created and performed by Jon Peterson, emcee from Broadway’s revival of “Cabaret” and Drama Desk Nominee for the title role in the off-Broadway production “George M. Cohan Tonight!”
Receiving accolades such as “a true theatrical fusion reactor,” “galvanic performance,” “a storm of show business energy” and “ferociously talented” was just part of British-born Peterson’s motivation in creating his own show about song and dance stars who were the whole package.
“Song Man Dance Man” is a joyous celebration of seven consummate artists who captured the eyes, ears and heartsof their audiences. They are Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, whose unique styles transformed the movie musical; Donald O’Connor and Sammy Davis, Jr.,both geniuses who had to struggle for appropriate recognition; Bobby Darin, who made the leap from ‘50s pop-star to sophisticated concert artist; the eccentric, brilliant Anthony Newley, whose pulsating, emotional style reverberated throughout the musical theater world; and, of course, George M. Cohan, who invented the song and dance man.
“I wanted to remind people of just how good it can be; of how magical the world of show business was in those golden days because of these performers,” says Peterson about why he was motivated to create the one-man show. “The dazzling talent and charisma of these artists inspire life-changing devotion.”
With personality and talent to spare, portraying multiple artistic personalities is not a stretch for Peterson. When “Song Man Dance Man” premiered in New York in 2008, a Cabaret Scenes critic reported: “When he(Peterson) plants his feet and looks into the lights, it’s the kind of razzle-dazzle showmanship that will send goose bumps up yourspine…”
“Song Man Dance Man” is presented by Derelle Bunn and David Torres, co-founders and executive producers of the recently opened Miami Beach Stage Door Theatre. With the new theatre housed in the Byron Carlyle, the pair continues their 19-year tradition of producing award-winning musicals at the Broward Stage Door Theatre, their flagship theatre in Coral Springs.
“Song Man Dance Man” Performances: Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. on September 10, 17 and 24. Tickets are $38 for the matinee and $42 for the evening performance and are available at the Box Office at Miami Beach Stage Door Theatre at the Byron Carlyle, 500 71st Street, Miami Beach, by calling 305-397-8977, or purchase online at www.stagedoorfl.org.
