Mercedes Ellington to host TAP!, a Dancers Over 40 Event

TAP!, Dancers Over 40's final event of their 2011 – 2012 season brings the world of tap center stage for a discussion and performance by DO40 members and guests.  This May's event is hosted by Mercedes Ellington, (Sophisticated Ladies, No, No, Nanette!) and begins with a discussion of the history of tap by DO40 members Mercedes and Lee Roy Reams (42^nd Street).  The program includes two panels and performances, featuring tappers from Broadway and beyond, as well as a salute to the tap teachers of the golden ages of theater and film, including Paul Draper, Honi Coles, Henry Le Tang, Bob Audy and Ernest Carlos.

Featured guests include Harvey Evans and Noah Racey, with Karin Baker, Randy Skinner and Karen Prunzik (42^nd Street), James Dybas and Patti Mariano (George M!), Linda Rose Iennaco (No, No, Nanette!), Teak Lewis, Lawrence Merritt, Joy Serio Dunbar, Max Pollack and Tony Waag, Artistic/Executive Director of The American Tap Dance Foundation, as well as performances and tap demonstrations by Noah Racey, Linda Rose Iennaco, Karen Prunzik, and Karen Callaway.  Film clips will also be a highlight of the evening, featuring many of the tap greats of the 20^th Century: The Nicholas Brothers, The Step Brothers, Gregory Hines, Georgie Tapps, The Copacetics, Fred & Ginger, Fred & Eleanor, Gene Kelly & Donald O'Connor!

This is the first time Dancers Over 40 is celebrating a specific genre of dance, instead of a performer, director or choreographer.  DO40 will continue the discussion next season with a ballet panel in October and eventually feature jazz and modern dance.  Dancers Over 40 is dedicated to preserving the History, Legacy and Lives of our creative community, while sharing the knowledge with the younger generation just beginning their careers. To that end, the event will be videotaped and donated to the Jerome Robbins Dance Collection at Lincoln Center's Library for the Performing Arts.  

Tickets: $40 for non-members; $20 for members of Dancers Over 40 with discount code. ($65 for premium seats)   Reservations: Telecharge, 212-239-6200 or www.telecharge.com ; DO40 members call 212-947-8844 or www.broadwayoffers.com with discount code.  St. Luke's Box Office open 2 – 6pm daily, at 308 West 46^th Street.  For More information on DO40 call their Hotline at 212-330-7016.