Murat Theatre

Movin’ Out’s energetic performance can’t
quite overcome plot inadequacies

by Dan Kraner

The difference between attending a theatrical or musical event for review and attending for sheer enjoyment is that usually you have investigated a performance prior to that attendance, or your have relied on positive word of mouth or praise from friends before shelling out the ticket price.

Let this review be your guide should this show come to Indianapolis again.

The performance of Movin’ Out, conceived by dance diva Twyla Tharp using the music of Billy Joel, begins abruptly with a prologue, set to “It's Still Rock 'n' Roll to Me,'' in which the characters introduce themselves. There are five fully defined characters: Eddie and Brenda the king and queen of the prom, who break up soon after the show begins — to the strains of ''Scenes From an Italian Restaurant''; James and Judy, whose love seems more durable; and Tony, part of a tight trio of friends with Eddie and James.

One could almost see the shock of the audience early in the performance at Murat Theatre when they realized there is no dialogue and only a thin thread of story line woven through each Billy Joel song (imagine Mama Mia minus the comedy, story line or dialog).

From a technical standpoint, Movin' Out is quite an achievement. Though there are scenes and individual dramatic divisions in the story, the dancing is, for most intents and purposes, nonstop and amazingly energetic. The dancers devote themselves fully and provide an excellent, though not outstanding performance.

There's a plot synopsis provided in the Playbill, and for good reason: Movin' Out falters in telling its story. As incredible as the dance appears, it inadequately communicates plot or emotion. With no spoken dialogue, the characters and story occasionally can be a challenge to follow.
The most exciting part of the performance is the lead piano and singer in the band, which is perched on a floating platform above the main stage and the dance numbers. The rest of the band is strong and entertaining as well, but it’s the lead performer who really shines, belting out one Joel hit after the other for the better part of two hours — without intermission.