Night Clubs Reviews

Aug 16, 2005 - "Forever Tango" dances to its own sensuous and entrancing vision of life

By Jack Neal

"Forever Tango," the dance show that has created a sensation wherever it appears including Broadway, opened Wednesday evening (8/10/05) at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks (Nevada). Given the new-found popularity of ballroom dancing, the booking of this terrific show for John Ascuaga's Celebrity Room is itself sensational.

The large opening night audience of tango fans were clearly in touch with the seductiveness of what they were watching. The show's stylization of movement, elegance of posture, snap of execution and intricacies of footwork create an intoxicating experience that gives the voyeurs of fantasy looking on a natural high they are not likely to forget.

The troupe of twelve dancers, all spendidly matched couples and splendidly gifted artists, work in collaboration with a superb eleven-piece orchestra. With an ethnicly contrived ensemble - two violins, one viola, one cello, one double bass, one piano, one synthesizer and four bandoneons - the orchestra is as important to "Forever Tango" as its dancers.

For the uninitiated, the bandoneon is an Argentine type accordion that adds immeasurably to the flavor of the show's sound. Victor Lavallen is the company's solo bandoneonist and his playing is as haunting as it's technically dazzling. Singer Alfredo Saez, pianist Jorge Vernieri and violinist Rodion Bosher are also musicians of rare artistry and present their moments in the spotlight with a virtuosity and flair that consistently captivates.

The choreography is by the dancers themselves, which keeps it daring and fresh. The dancing never fails to excite. Credit these exceptional dancing twelve - Jorge Torres and Marcela Duran, Eva Lucero and Patricio Touceda, Carlos Vera and Laura Marcarie, Claudio Villagra and Romina Levia, Marcelo Bernadaz and Veronica Gardella, Alejandra Gutty and Juan Paulo Horvath - for bringing vibrant individuality and vivid movement to all they dance.

Luis Bravo has directed and designed the show's lighting and his work is as dramatic as the high theatricality of the show's music and dance. The elegant costumes are designed by Argemira Affonso. "Forever Tango's" exotic makeup and hairstyles are designed by Jean Luc Don Vito.

Nothing has been left to chance in this exceptional presentation, yet nothing is overdone. The steaminess, sensuousness and striking rhythmic passions of its sounds of music and looks of dance engulf and mesmerize as few stage shows ever have. "Forver Tango," a presentation with attitude plus, is memorable dance and musical theater.

"Forever Tango" can be seen Wednesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. at John Ascuaga's Nugget, 1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks, Nevada, through August 28 (2005). Tickets are $39 except Fridays and Saturdays, when tickets are $45. For information call 775-356-3300, 1-800-648 1177 or go on line at janugget.com.