FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Nov. 3, 2003
CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119

DRAKE THEATRE TO PRESENT 'STEPPING OUT' - A COMEDY WITH TAP BY RICHARD HARRIS

Drake University Theatre will present "Stepping Out," an unusual and delightful play that was recognized as the Best Comedy of the Year in London in 1985 and earned a long and successful run.

" Stepping Out" focuses on Mavis Turner, an ex-chorus girl, and her ferocious pianist who run a weekly tap dance class for local amateur dancers. The students are from all walks of life, but most of them share one thing in common - an overabundance of left feet and a singular lack of coordination.

" We see them struggle, bicker, laugh and argue over a six-month period until their charity recital where they miraculously present a triumphant Broadway style finale," said Director Clive Elliott, Drake's Daniel B. Goldberg artist in residence of theatre arts. "This heartwarming play also examines their lives outside the studio and we learn of their hopes and fears and how they are partially overcome in the joy of dance."

A TalkAbout dinner and discussion led by Elliott will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at First Christian Church, 25th Street and University Avenue. Tickets, which cover the TalkAbout and play, are $17. For reservations, call (515) 271-3995.
Drake's production features tap choreography by Tony Humrichouser, visiting assistant professor of theatre arts at Drake. Set and lighting design are by John Holman, assistant professor of theatre arts at Drake, with costume design by Josie Poppen, Drake's theatre costume designer.

Performances of "Stepping Out" will start at 8 p.m. Nov. 13, 14 and 15 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, in the Performing Arts Hall, Harmon Fine Arts Center, 25th Street and Carpenter Avenue. Tickets, which are $5 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens, are available at the Drake Fine Arts Box Office, (515) 271-3841.