STAGE TUBE: Becky Saunders Talks Sierra Rep's SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS

When dance teacher Michael Minetti first meets his elderly student Lily Harrison in her Florida-coast high rise, it seems pretty clear these two will barely make it past 'Hello,' let alone their first full lesson. Besides their 30-year age difference, they clash at every turn. A former teacher and minister's wife, she's guarded, uptight and suspicious. A former Broadway dancer, he blurts out jokes and insults and swings from glib to desperate to nonchalant in 10 seconds flat. It's fun to watch, but how will they make it through a six-week dance course? That's the hilarious and touching journey that unfolds in Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, a new comedy currently playing at Sierra Rep's East Sonora Theatre stage. Click below to watch star Becky Saunders talk about the production!

What happens, of course, is the music starts - and this unlikely pair find their common language. Through a lesson a week - swing, tango, waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha and contemporary dance - their friendship unfolds. Michael and Lily may grate against each other when the music stops, but eventually they build trust, understanding and a deep bond.

Written by American playwright Richard Alfieri, the show has been a huge international hit. Since its Los Angeles premiere and Broadway opening, it has been translated into 12 languages, with more than 50 productions in over 20 countries. The New York Post called it "A joy to watch," The New York Observer wrote that it is "just the right combination of humor and humility to make you laugh and cry at the same time," and The Hollywood Reporter called it "thoughtful, razor sharp, charming, funny and genuinely moving."

SRT Artistic Director Scott Viets is directing the show, with SRT's Becky Saunders (Church Basement Ladies) as Lily and Los Angeles actor Sean Galuszka as Michael. Each did the show last year - Becky in Sacramento and Sean in Palm Springs.

Completing the design team are SRT's resident artists: scenic design by Dennis Jones, costume design by Bina Bieker, props by Mercy Sharpe, lighting design by Peter Leibold and stage management by Lia Metz.

SRT's production of Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is presented with the help of our Season Sponsor, Clarke Broadcasting, Silver Partner, The Union Democrat, and underwriter, The Law Offices of Kate Powell Segerstrom.

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks opened Friday, May 31 and plays through Sunday, June 23 at SRT's East Sonora Theatre stage, found at 13891 Mono Way.Thursday and Friday performances begin at 7 p.m., Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. General admission ranges from $26 to $32 depending on the day of the performance, with student, child, senior and group rates available. A special talk back discussion with the cast will be held immediately after the Thursday, June 13 performance.

This show is rated R for language and adult topics. For more information on content and show dates, or to make reservations, call Sierra Rep's box office at (209) 532-3120 or visit Sierra Rep at www.sierrarep.org.

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