Not surprisingly her reactions to life are a paradoxical mix of toughness and fragility. We love this character with all her prickly, honest turmoil. Quickly we get to know and understand the simple complexities of her life. Lansner is a fine director. She magically creates dancers out of actors, and vice versa.
Several images stand out in particular.
Suddenly they turn, still and quiet. Bernice's hot groove, Frankie's innocent splendor, John Henry's spitfire wildness. Lansner is particularly adept at creating movement that speaks volumes of descriptive text. Another strong moment occurs when Berenice teaches Frankie how to waltz. John Henry breaks through their embrace and, instead of pushing him away, they envelop him in a waltz for three.