Review: OKC Broadway Presents Derek and Julianne Hough's Sizzling MOVE – BEYOND tour

OKC Broadway closes out its inaugural season with Dancing With The Stars' luminaries Derek and Julianne Hough. In this third year of their tour, appropriately dubbed MOVE - BEYOND this year, the siblings have upped their game considerably: this fast-paced spectacle features death drops, acrobatics, singing, and choreography of all styles.

Is there anything these superstar siblings can't do? Derek and Julianne display their astounding versatility and never hold back: hip hop, tap, jazz, tango, salsa, waltz-plus both of their incredible singing voices...this show has it all. MOVE - BEYOND brings to mind a classic variety show-when the stars of old Hollywood were expected to sing, act, and dance with equal aplomb-but with a contemporary, fresh vibe. Supported by a talented ensemble of crackerjack dancers supporting the Houghs, this ensemble adds vitality and energy to the group numbers, and get a few moments to shine on their own.

The Houghs are not only talented, but kind and humble; their gratitude for the fans was apparent throughout. Both have strong theatrical roots: Julianne starred as Sandy in Grease Live! and Derek as Corny Collins in Hairspray Live!; Derek played Ren in Footloose on the West End, while Julianne played as Ariel in the Footloose film remake; and they both obviously got their big breaks on Dancing With The Stars. These career similarities are clearly parodied in the Disney medley, one of the highlights of the evening.

A few other highlights include:

• Audience participation - Wanda, the 91-year-old woman chosen as Derek's object of affection, and the four gentlemen who got to strut their stuff and dance with Julianne.
• The women's ensemble performing a feminist fan-dance...girl power!
• Julianne's performance of Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit song from Moana, "How Far I'll Go" provided a fantastic finale.

OKC Broadway has brought incredible artistry to Oklahoma City this year, and MOVE - BEYOND closes out their season in spectacular fashion. I look forward to next season, which includes Broadway hits like The Book of Mormon, An American In Paris, and Rent. Their new season kicks off in September with Disney's The Little Mermaid. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Tickets for future tour stops of MOVE - BEYOND can be purchased HERE.

Photo credit: Brian Bowen Smith

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