Here's a bit of bravado, attempting to capture the moves of America's best dancer on Winter Parks' most claustrophobic stage. WPPH's impresario Roy Alan conceives and executes a loving tribute to Fred Astaire, that rubbery guy in a tux and tails whose dancing defines elegance. The story is a bio pic, told from the viewpoint of his first partner and loving sister, Adele (Laura Ann Hodos). The pair grew up in vaudeville, and made a ton of money through the 20's and into the depression. Adele got married, and Fred kept dancing, ultimately making over 40 films.

It's tough to match Astaire's flowing moves on a large sound stage, but Mr. Alan did well in the space available. The dance numbers were pared down, but the essence remains in Mr. Alan's' energetic and skillful moves. Both the older Fred and his younger self (Cameron Bartell) sing and dance, and narration is supplied by the married Adele Cavendish and a younger Adele (Stephanie Aardema) Old Fred did a few numbers with the all around Female Lead Stand In (Heather-Dawn Sipler), but what filled the evening was mostly tap. While I'd like to have seen the ensemble numbers with dozens of synchronized sailors, this was still an impressive show.

Jason Wetzel provided the music, and there was good selection of hits and standards ("Cheek to Cheek", "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off",), as well as a few more obscure pieces like "I Love Louisa" or "The Whichness of Whatness" which featured the young Fred and Adele. A backdrop of video showed old pictures and posters, reminding one of that great 60's craze, the Multimedia Show.

There's just enough factual matter here to count as educational, but the main show is Alan bouncing around in a tuxedo. His supporting cast makes him look good, and the whole thing is a pile of fun.

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