42nd Street
While creativity may run abound (or amuck) here at Zone 5, not only does it appear in the way our staff creates on paper or online. Along with the few musicians on board, we also are graced with the tapping feet of a professional dancer. In this month's Play story, we feature 5 questions with Zone 5 Marketing Assistant, Theresa Beswick:
Z5: You've said that you joined your current production (The Pajama Game) because of the dancing. How long have you been dancing?
TB: I have been dancing ever since I was 3 or 4. My sister started taking lessons and when she would practice in our basement, I would go down and watch her and before long I started picking up the steps. I danced at Ferrara Dance Studio for 11 years and then at Orlando School of Dance for 3. I started to be known for my tap dance ability because my sister and I would do a "sister act" every year at several local talent shows, fundraisers, and our dance recitals.
Z5: Have you been influenced by any of the greats, for instance, Fred Astaire? Martha Graham? MC Hammer?
TB: I would say I have been influenced by Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Michael Jackson and Michael Flatly.
Z5: What is the story behind The Pajama Game? Are there pillow fights in this "game"?
TB: The Pajama Game is a romping musical set around a pajama factory in the 1950s. Conditions at the Sleep-Tite Pajama Factory are anything but peaceful as sparks fly between new superintendent Sid Sorokin and Babe Williams, leader of the union grievance committee. Their stormy relationship comes to a head when the workers strike for a 7½ cent raise, setting off not only a conflict between management and labor, but a battle of the sexes as well.
Z5: So... no pillow fights? How about karate?
TB: No pillow fights or karate... but there is some drunkenness, knife throwing, and tug-of-war.
Z5: I'm assuming you enjoy Broadway shows. Any particular one your favorite?
TB: My favorite Broadway shows are 42nd Street (for obvious reasons), Wicked and Rent.
Z5: For those unfamiliar with 42nd Street, are the "obvious reasons" because of the dancing or is that your lucky number?
TB: 42nd Street is a tap dance show, basically. My dance teacher at Orlandos was in the Broadway version of 42nd Street and taught us the original opening dance number to the show! Probably my favorite dance I have ever done... besides thriller... yes I know the thriller dance.
Z5: If we were to produce our own version if Dancing with the Stars (or, as we would rename it, Dancing with the Zone 5 Moderately- to Little-Known Staff Members), who else on the staff do you think would put their best two feet forward?
TB: Hmmm... definitely NOT Sarah!! I've seen her dance waiting for the elevator* and its not a pretty sight. I would have to say Mark because I know he used to do musicals and his wife is a dancer so she must of taught him something!
Theresa is currently appearing with The Schenectady Light Opera Company's performance of The Pajama Game, running from Friday, October 16th through Sunday, October 25th. Click here for show times and ticket information.
*hiddden video footage soon to be released
