Following the tale of two New York lost souls ‘dreaming bigger’ than they have a right to, Syncopation stars Devon-Elise Johnson (Anna Bianchi) and Jye Frasca (Henry Ribolow) in a warm, ballroom-inspired comedic amalgamation of frustration and hope.
The guilded age of nouveau riche 1912 New York is well presented by Mayou Trikerioti’s simple, effective set design and the ambience is lively and sweet, likewise the characters. Syncopation explores 38-year-old meat packer Henry’s aspirations of ‘dancing with royalty’ and his never-ending search for the perfect ballroom partner. Devon-Elise Johnson’s Anna, a 24-year-old factory beader, in particular has the audience laughing with her relatably awkward posture and nervous chuckles as she tries her best at having a first and final big adventure before settling down and marrying to please her father.
The opening is strong; when the two leads first meet, their obvious apprehension (especially Anna Bianchi’s) is RomCom-esque and easy to watch. The leads’ opposing intentions bring predictable complications and the play follows the characters’ struggles to have a ‘successful’ life without restricting themselves (rather restricting those around them).
The stage is brought to life when the characters dance. Easily the most entertaining parts of the play are the ballroom dancing moments when the beader and meat packer come together with perhaps not perfect synchronicity but enchanting enthusiasm. Jenny Thomas’ choreography at these points is bright and amusing. Henry Ribolow expresses himself in deep, emotive dance throughout, inventing moves inspired by the hustle-bustle of New York City. His solo moments are appealing and interesting; however, it is the duets which bring real energy and excitement to the stage
The writing is witty at points but with only two characters and little room for development the storyline struggles slightly to merit two and a half hours. The repetitive coming-and-going saga of Anna Bianchi triggered by Henry Ribolow’s temper over one-thing-or-other can be a little tiresome.
This said, Allan Knee cleverly incorporates ideas of female emancipation and the necessity to, on occasion, ‘break a rule,’ contextual factors which spur Anna Bianchi to evolve from a timid and comedically awkward girl, into a self-aware young woman. This growth is further highlighted through costume design by Karen Jemison – the beader’s outfits become increasingly sparkly and vibrant.
The play is peppered with lovely singing and both the leads harmonise happily. The live band, directed and arranged by Fiz Shapur joyfully pulls the plot along as both characters foxtrot their way through adulthood, in and out of family pressures, straight through the middle of Radicals and Suffragettes, all the while desperately trying to find what will truly make them, not those around them, happy.
Overall, Syncopation is a love-story sprinkled with singing and dancing, at times funny and at times slightly predictable. A relaxing way to spend an evening.
Syncopation is on at The Bridewell Theatre and runs until 13 April 2024.
