Music From the Sole Brings Joyful Tap and Live Music to Boston
A kitchen meal spawns a group song. A brisk shower conjures a rhythmic dance. A TV room hangout erupts in a jam session. Such is the world of House is Open, Going Dark, a joyful, jazzy and rhythmic performance by Music From the Sole. The tap-and-live-music company’s new show spotlights the creativity, conflict and connections that unfold when artists share physical spaces. House Is Open, Going Dark is presented by Celebrity Series of Boston on Oct 17-19 at Boston Arts Academy Theater. Tickets are available from $40 at celebrityseries.org.
Throughout the 70-minute piece, dancers sing and play music, musicians dance, and audiences are invited into the fun. Set on and around a floorplan-like stage, musicians and dancers move room to room, blurring boundaries between spaces and transforming everyday interactions into inspired performances. Artistic creation mixes with everyday life: in one moment an argument arises while everyone waits for the bathroom; in another the group breaks into an impromptu song while gathered at a table. Furniture, flowers and more become part of the jam session.
“Music From the Sole brings audiences into the heart of a creative home with this vibrant and celebratory new work,” says Celebrity Series of Boston Executive Director Gary Dunning. “The title references the backstage announcement given to performers before a show starts; it’s not normally heard by the audience, just as the creative process isn’t normally seen. House is Open becomes a warm welcome from behind the scenes, one that extends to an invitation to hang out with the performers in the theater.”
Music from the Sole was co-founded by Brazilian tap dancer and choreographer Leonardo Sandoval and American bassist and composer Gregory Richardson. Sandoval developed the dances in collaboration with the company; Richardson composed the jazzy original soundtrack with Sandoval as well as musicians Matt Parker, Dylan Bhulao, Michael Jelllick, Magela Herrera, Jennifer Vincent, Orlando Hernández, and Noé Kains. Lighting design is by Kathy Kaufmann. Sound design is by Christopher Marc.
With this performance, Celebrity Series continues its partnership with Boston Arts Academy (BAA), which began in the 2024/25 Season with opportunities for BAA students to work with and learn alongside professional theater and dance artists. Throughout Music from the Sole’s residency, BAA musicians and dancers will participate in an artist-led master class during production week, attend an open dress rehearsal, and shadow production staff.
As part of its Music From the Sole programming, Celebrity Series of Boston offers a free, public “Body Percussion & Movement Workshop” on Wed., Oct. 15, 7 pm at the Roxbury YMCA, 285 M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard. Open to all ages, the interactive session is led by Music From the Sole company members who will guide participants through the basics of body percussion — stomps, snaps, claps and vocalizing — before building a short piece inspired by Afro-Brazilian rhythmic patterns. No experience necessary; participants encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.
Music From the Sole’s HOUSE IS OPEN, ©Jessica Dalene Photography