Two members of the Jewish community are spending their summer months memorizing lines, singing songs, and practicing rigorous dance combinations as part of Theatre in the Park’s (TIP) production of the original Broadway-bound musical “Half Time - Gotta Dance.”
Joyce Hess and Ruth Baum Bigus are main characters in the show that is based on the motion picture “Gotta Dance”’ which was directed, written, and produced by Dori Berinstein.
The musical is the true story of nine determined dreamers who audition to dance at halftime for a major basketball team. The nine have three things in common: they love to dance, they have something to prove, and they are all over 50 years old. Only after making the cut does this “advanced” squad learn they won’t be dancing tap, salsa, or swing—instead, they will bring down the house with a style that is entirely new to them: hip-hop.
Hess is a vice president of the New Reform Temple, past president of The Midwest Center for Holocaust Education and is currently a board member of the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy. By day, Hess is the controller for Mission Hills Country Club and co-owner of Dave’s Stagecoach Inn with her husband, Jim.
In the evenings, Hess enjoys participating in performing arts. Hess has appeared in past productions of “Fiddler on The Roof.” In “Half Time,” Hess plays the character Mae, a lifelong tapper, which is not far afield from real life.
“I continue to take tap classes at my daughter’s studio, Ovation Dance Academy, participating in its annual recitals,” said Hess. But this show, with its demanding hip-hop routines, has been a journey.
“This show has been an amazing opportunity for those of us in an ‘advanced age’ to participate in community musical theater,” Hess said. “Not many shows are centered around seniors being able to do what they love and not be defined or held back due to age.”
Hess has inspired her own daughters, Kate Jaros and Alex Hess, to participate in dance. Hess’ theatrical motivation came from her own mother Sonia Golad, who was a Holocaust survivor.
“She loved the theater and would have been thrilled to see this production,” Hess said. “She provided me with dance lessons, piano lessons and was a quintessential ‘stage mom’ when I appeared in high school productions. She attended all my girl’s recitals, plays, performances,” she added.
A former editor of The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle and now community relations director for Jewish Family Services, Baum Bigus has been a lifelong performer. In this show, she plays the character of Muriel, who is legally blind and refuses to wear her glasses.
“My mom started me in ballet lessons at age 5, and I have loved dance ever since,” Baum Bigus said. “I am so grateful to her for instilling in me her passion for the arts.”
Baum Bigus has performed in various venues around Kansas City, including Theatre in the Park, Spinning Tree Theatre, Starlight and The Barn Players. She recently appeared in the virtual “Fiddler in Concert” production from The White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center.
While she has danced her entire life, Baum Bigus said this production has been extra challenging.
“In addition to memorizing your lines and lyrics, we had to learn how to do hip-hop, something that did not come naturally for me,” she said. “In the beginning, I wasn’t sure I could learn all the intricacies of this dance form, but like the musical’s story, we just kept working on it with my fellow cast members and we’ve made it!”
In addition to Hess and Baum Bigus, there are other Jewish community connections with this production.
Two finalists for this year’s KC SuperStar singing competition are showcased in “Half Time.”
Darcie Hingula and Elaine Watson have supporting roles as part of the Cougarettes dance squad. Both recent high school graduates, they were finalists in last year’s high school singing competition that is produced annually by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City.
In the meantime, Hess and Baum Bigus are enjoying the outdoor theatre experience.
“This show has great music, fun dancing, an amazing talented cast and has a great message,” Hess.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the cast, especially the advanced squad,” said Baum Bigus. “I love the message we get to share with the audience – life is a journey not just looking for the win.”
Performances will be July 16 through July 18, and again the following week July 21 through July 24. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m., with gates opening at 7:00 p.m.
For more information and tickets, please visit www.theatreinthepark.org.
