Stepping Out taps into raw talent

November 15-30

Phoenix Theatre

Tickets here.

It’s a story about nine women and one man from different backgrounds meeting each week for a beginner’s tap-dance class.

Although they learn various steps and routines, the real focus of Richard Harris’ play Stepping Out is the relationships and interactions of the 10 students.

Led by former professional chorus girl Mavis, the haphazard amateurs overcome their inhibitions and awkwardness to learn some skills and deliver a performance during a recital.

Liza Minnelli starred as Mavis in a film based on the play, but in this production the tap teacher is played by Allegra Wilson, who is a dance teacher herself.

The play’s dance troupe is accompanied by pianist Mrs Fraser, who is played by local dance school legend Linda Shaw, who also happens to be Allegra’s mother in real life, and surrogate mother in the play.

‘‘I love it; we get to practise our lines together,’’ Allegra says.

The 22-year-old dance teacher works at her mother’s dance school while studying for a Bachelor of Music, majoring in musical theatre at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney.

Stepping Out is the first ‘‘straight play’’ for Allegra, who normally performs in musicals in amateur productions as she tries to break into the tough industry.

There’s a particular scene in the play she connects with the most, she says.

‘‘I’m dancing by myself in the studio, a student walks in early and catches me dancing and asks me a few questions about my career, what I did and why I gave up.

‘‘I feel like I really connect to that scene, I’m in that exact same circumstance.’’

After coming close to being cast as an understudy for Bloody Mary earlier this year, the performer felt heartbroken and had to move beyond the rejection to continue pursuing her desire to do musical shows.

‘‘A lot of performers work [elsewhere] to support themselves,’’ she says.

‘‘I’m lucky that I get to teach dance, I really love it; ah, I sound like the character now.

‘‘I love nurturing kids and helping them through their training.’’

Director Greg Shand says the play is relatable and the dialogue is so funny the actors haven’t stopped laughing throughout rehearsals.

‘‘It’s very funny, it’s light entertainment, to see these women,’’ he says.

‘‘The majority of women on stage haven’t tap-danced in their lives and to see them tap-dance is amazing,’’ he says.

‘‘My vision for the show is similar to the film. The only thing that’s different is that I’ve set the play in Wollongong.’’

Although the cast have only had four weeks to rehearse, ‘‘they’ve done an amazing job’’, the director says.