The production stars David Atkins who is the Director/ Producer and performer. He directed and produced the original and took it to stages all over the world. In 2003 David was recognized in the Queen's Birthday Honours with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the entertainment industry. David is Australia's most awarded producer, choreographer and director. He has starred in, produced, directed, choreographed and created more than twenty musicals in Australia, Britain, the United States, Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. David played Spring in the original show, today he plays the Father.
Hot Shoe Shuffle is about seven brothers who believe their father has left them a large fortune in his will. However, to receive the money they must perform their Father's show - The Hot Shoe Shuffle with their long lost sister April (Jaz Flowers). April however, can't dance and the brothers find it hard to accept her. Eventually she admits she is not really their sister, but she still has to be in the show. Of course they all pull together, only to find out that the Director is actually their Father who just wanted to bring the whole family back together. There are classic songs in the show like Puttin on the Ritz, It Don't Mean a Thing (If you aint got that swing).
This production is amazing, even if you think you don't like tap dancing you will enjoy this show. It is funny, entertaining and fast paced. The costumes particularly the dresses, will make any woman envious. The use of lights in the shoes and costumes also added to the entertainment factor. We took my friends daughter who is just six year's old and yes she sat through the show, memorised for much of the time. Particularly the second half when you can see the big band live on stage; I think she enjoyed watching them almost as must as the dancers.
All the performers were amazing, Jaz in particular was very good in her role as April. She has a great voice and stage presence.
The new show will play at the Lyric Theatre until the beginning of August, when it will head to Melbourne.
