TWO ACTS MUSICAL
BASED ON VALERY PANOV'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY "TO DANCE"
Book / Lyrics by Kyra Robinov
Music by Tibor Zonai
TO DANCE, set in Leningrad, Russia and NYC between the 1950‘s and 1970‘s, tells the story of Valery Panov, a Russian Jewish ballet dancer with the Kirov Ballet. Valery dreams of becoming his country’s shining star; but not only does he stand out because of his talents and charisma, but also because of his religion.
As his individuality captivates audiences worldwide, the Soviet government tries to squelch Valery’s popularity. Valery refuses to conform to the rigid restrictions of the USSR. The authorities use their power to alienate him--ridiculing, demoting and even imprisoning him; but, despite their attempts to destroy him, Valery retains his spirit, even as his body breaks down.
TO DANCE illustrates Valery’s harrowing struggle for artistic freedom through a combination of comedy and drama, song and dance.
TO DANCE - The Musical wins the FringeFave at the Theater at the 14th Street Y
REVIEWS
"Very exciting times and a very exciting show." - Hi! Drama
"BOTTOM LINE: To Dance is a testimony to strong will, determination, and effort overcoming oppression and tyranny, based on the beautiful story of the early life of dancer Valery Panov." - Theatre is Easy
"...a riveting musical play featuring wonderful acting, exquisite dancing and telling the true story of the Russian Jewish dancer, Valery Panov." - Andy B Sports
"TO DANCE leaps with energy....Carrey imbues the lead character with grace and defiance, as well as a Broadway-caliber voice and superior dancing skills; Kathryn Morgan, a former member of New York City Ballet, shines as his girlfriend, Galina, dancing with great strength and artistry." - Time Out New York
"The groundwork is there, the story is compelling and there’s a waiting audience - I understand that all the Fringe performances of To Dance are sold out. I don’t doubt that this Fringe appearance will be the springboard for something more – and that it’s now unlikely that the Panovs’ story will be forgotten again anytime soon." - Critical Dance
"...the dancing in To Dance is great. I’m no dancer but to me it looks as pro as what you’d expect on Broadway... mostly the numbers we see consist of long, graceful movements and pirouettes, and these elite artists carry their bodies with refined grace..." - NYTheater Now
SONGS
THE PERFECT MACHINE
(ballet dancers)
The dancers of the Kirov Ballet are preparing for the performance with a hard work.
DANCE FOR HIM
(Galina)
Galina arrives at the Kirov Ballet on rehearsal when she meets Valery Panov, the theater’s leading dancer.
STROKE OF LUCK
(ballet dancers)
Kirov Ballet dancers find out they are going to America to perform as guests.
MY SILENT ONE
(Valery)
Valery watches in amazement from behind the door in the rehearsal room as Galina tries.
PIECE OF GLASS
(Rachinsky)
Rachinsky, a KGB officer, is doing everything he can to stifle Panov's career.
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
(Valery, Galina, Jury)
Jury is jealous of Valery and Galina’s love because she’s in love with the girl too.