BROADWAY SNAP-SHOT
by Russell Bouthiller

Dateline: APRIL 30, 2006

HOT FEET

The latest addition to the juke box musical genre comes from creator-director-choreographer Maurice Hines and Earth, Wind and Fire founder Maurice White in the dance extravaganza HOT FEET, a gossamer retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen's "The Red Shoes."

The place is New York City and the time is now when a young, star-struck kid, Emma (Samantha Pollino), encounters Louie (Allen Hidalgo), a Mephistophelian street vendor with some fierce footwear. Emma want those shoes, but Louie cautions her by recounting the tale of a young girl who gave up her life—but saved her soul—for one final dance.

That about sums up the story-within-a-story plot provided by Heru Ptah, whose main writing credit next to this one is his self-published novel, "A Hip Hop Story," which he sold on the New York City subway system. Sprinkled with a few stock backstage subplots, Ptah's book provides the skeleton on which a series of vibrant, sinuous dance routines flesh out the body of the show.

Vivian Nixon, daughter of dancer/choreographer Debbie Allen and basketball star Norm Nixon, makes an auspicious debut as Kalimba, the young girl with a big dream. Lithe and athletic, graceful and poised, Nixon jets and twirls with ceaseless energy, giving a commendable performance.

Tony-winner Ann Duquesnay plays Kalimba's Mom, a woman who will do anything to prevent her baby from getting taken in by the evils of show business. Duquesnay gives the role a sincere maternal spin and her "Dearest Heart" number is certainly a stand-out moment of the evening.

Keith David plays Victor, owner of the Serpentine Dance Company, and precisely the type of man Mom wants her daughter to steer clear of. David has played this snake-type characters in so many movies that his mere presence tells us that something bad is going to happen and he's going to be in the thick of it.

Wynonna Smith as the aging diva and Kalimba's nemesis, Naomi, wiggles and snaps as if it were her last hurrah. Michael Balderrama is Anthony, the sexy dance instructor who falls in love with Kalimba and hopes to save her from her fate.

Costume design by Paul Tazewell offers lots of flash, color and skin to underscore Hines's pulsating choreography. Set design by James Noone includes the largest pair of ruby slippers that ever treaded the boards and lighting by Clifton Taylor makes sure we never miss a step. HOT FEET, sizzling dancing set to sounds of 70s R&B, now at the Hilton Theatre.