BWW Reviews: Preview of Upcoming MADCO Show LIQUID ROADS

I was lucky enough to be invited to the first full run through of MADCO's (the Modern American Dance Company, led by artistic director Stacy West) latest production, Liquid Roads, and even in the unfinished state I saw it in, it promises to be a lively and wonderful presentation. Choreographer Gina Patterson has created a 90 minute work that focuses our attention on the music that has traveled the length of the Mississippi River, providing us with a collection of classic blues and original works that captures the flavor of that experience.

Working with music director and band leader Brian Casserly, some choice tunes have been incorporated to tell this story in a rather unique fashion. Instead of the pre-recorded tracks I heard during the run through, Casserly's band will be playing live on stage, adding another dimension to the performance. There's nothing like having the interaction of an actual live band performing, and it will be fun to see this all of these elements come together.

Patterson's superb choreography is eye-catching and physically demanding, but the young and talented dancers that make up the cast impressed me with their spirit and vitality. I can't wait to see them in costume and pumped full of opening night adrenaline.

The performances of Liquid Roads will take place this Friday and Saturday (April 11-12) in the Anheuser-Busch performance hall at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.

I highly recommend this production! It should be a real blast.