Ayodele Casel has spent her tap-dancing career not just chasing magic but creating it and sharing it.
The Boston Globe
Trailblazing tap dancer and choreographer Ayodele Casel and longtime collaborator director Torya Beard (Chasing Magic, Funny Girl) return to A.R.T. this holiday season to share the joyful, resilient, and liberating spirit of tap. The electric new play weaves together dance, narrative, and song to reveal the power of reclaiming language, culture, and one’s own identity. This world-premiere production traces Ayodele’s life from her roots in The Bronx and Puerto Rico, while celebrating the extraordinary and often-overlooked women tap dancers who paved the way.
Recommended for ages 13+.
Written and Choreographed by Ayodele Casel
Directed by Torya Beard
Notable dates
Opening Night: 12/18
Member Night: 12/19 at 7:30PM
ASL Interpreted: 12/20 at 7:30PM
Audio Described: 12/21 at 2PM
Open Captioned: 12/22 at 2PM
Sensory Inclusive: 12/22 at 2PM
Production Support
Leslie and Howard Appleby
Ticket Offers
All Discounts
Standard tickets start at $35, and discounts are available to students and ticket-buyers under the age of 25, Blue Star families, EBT card holders, seniors, Harvard faculty and staff, and others.
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Essential Question
As we reflect on our past and look towards our future, whose shoulders are you standing on?
A.R.T. leads with inquiry and asks questions in a spirit of brave curiosity in a never-ending journey of learning and growth. For each production, the creative team, company, and Engagement team develop an Essential Question to guide work in the rehearsal room, onstage, and for engaging with audiences.
Credits
Creative Team
Written and Choreographed by
Ayodele Casel
Directed by
Torya Beard
Scenic Design
Tatiana Kahvegian
Costume Design
Camilla Dely
Lighting Design
Brandon Stirling Baker
Sound Design
Sharath Patel
Projection Design
Katherine Freer
Hair, Wig & Make-up Design
Earon Chew Nealey
Design Dramaturg and Artistic Advisor
Susan Hilferty
Music Composed by
Carlos Cippelletti
Ethan Pakchar
Dramaturg
Jesse Alick
Casting Director
Jason Thinger
Associate Director
Yasmine Lee
Music Director
Nick Wilders
Production Stage Manager
Erin McCoy
Cast
Performer
Ayodele Casel
Performer
Ayodele Casel
Performer
Naomi Funaki
Performer
Naomi Funaki
Performer
Afra Hines
Performer
Afra Hines
Performer
Quynn L. Johnson
Performer
Quynn L. Johnson
Performer
Funmi Sofola
Performer
Funmi Sofola
Performer
Liberty Styles
Performer
Liberty Styles
Performer
Annaliese Wilbur
Performer
Annaliese Wilbur
Performer
Ki’Leigh Williams
Performer
Ki’Leigh Williams
Eloia Peterson is the assistant stage manager.