We’re interviewing Ali Lente about their newest production Dance Nation by Clare Barron.
FRR: What is the craziest or most creative way you can think of to summarize the plot of Dance Nation?
AL: I think Concord Theatricals says it best: “Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world.” A raw, honest look at the complex and beautiful monstrosity that is girlhood.
FRR: If you had to describe the process of putting on this Dance Nation with one word, what would it be and why?
AL: FUN. Because I had such a blast getting to work with these actors and the creative team! Truly there is so much talent in the room, and this cast trusted me with some very wacky, weird, specific ideas, and then they just had fun with it. Which means we all get to have tons of fun watching it. I laughed so much during this process.
FRR: What is the most interesting, funny, wonderful thing you’ve learned while working on Dance Nation?
AL: I learned how to do a time step (kinda–the cast are pros) and some other basic tap moves and that was really fun. I’ve always wanted to take a tap class, so my dreams were realized.
FRR: What do you do right before each performance to get ready? Right after each performance?
AL: I wish the actors luck and check in with the technicians. Afterward, I check the stage and backstage and go congratulate the team.
FRR: What is your favorite inside-joke from the show? Costume?
AL: that’s a TOUGH one because there are SO many! I love the costumes for the opening number, they are fun! And there are too many jokes and lines to name a favorite, so many good ones! Maybe “She’s right! Dancing boys are unbeatable!”
FRR: What is your favorite aspect of this production?
AL: I love its rawness, ferocity, and ability to tap into deep and universal experiences of girlhood and growing up. The cast commits so fully to their characters and fully transports the audience to this world of girls and dance.
FRR: Tell us about your cast.
AL: They are so talented, hard-working, and dedicated to entertaining the audience at the same time that they give us such grounded and truthful performances. We have an amazing cast of individuals, 7 of which are over the age of 20 but are playing 11-13 year-olds, which is a very intentional decision made by the playwright. The idea is that we see the adults playing these kids, reminding us that we take things from childhood with us into adulthood. The other two are adults playing adults, and they bring such specific vibes that balance out this piece so well.
FRR: What is your background and training as a director?
AL: This is my first full production as a director. Before this, I assistant directed Patrick Kibbie (producer of Voodoo Theatre Company) in Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde which performed in January 2023.
FRR: What is the biggest challenge of directing in general?
AL: Forming your vision for the piece and communicating that vision to the cast and creative team in a way that makes sense and allows your vision to be fully realized. It’s about being able to take your ideas and articulate them without ordering everyone around and being attached to those ideas. Sometimes the ideas you had develop and evolve, and you have to be able to accept things like that and do what is best for the show.
FRR: What is the biggest challenge of directing this show?
AL: There are so many elements to keep track of and execute. We had to take a lot of asks from the playwright and figure out how we could make it happen in the simplest way. Also being strategic about how the girls built their characters was pretty important; we had to not make them seem like absolute children but also make them child-like in their mannerisms, line reads, and friendships.
FRR: What are the surprises and delights you’re finding in directing this show?
AL: I think I have been most surprised and delighted by the faith the cast put in me and my vision, they truly trusted me with some WEIRD ideas that have really paid off. They are so dedicated to the fun and ferocious sides of this show! Also the level of collaboration has been off the charts; the cast had amazing ideas and the designers brought so much to the table as well. I tried to make space for everyone’s ideas and try various things during rehearsals even if I had an instinct about how I wanted things to feel. This really paid off, we discovered so many amazing moments this way.
FRR: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about Dance Nation?
AL: This show will heal your inner child, entertain your inner adult.
A final word from Jack Cobabe (JC), Assistant Director
FF: How did your opening night go?
JC: Really well! We had a sold out show and the audience received it really well. I was happy to see it affect so many people on day one. We only have 14 available for today’s matinee so I’m feeling pretty good about the run.
Voodoo Theater Company presents Dance Nation by Clare Barron.
Alliance Theatre (Trolley Square), 602 E 500 S, Suite 101, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
Tickets: $20
Voodoo Theater Company Facebook Page
Dance Nation promo video
WARNING: No children allowed. This is an adult play with adult language, situations, and themes. The characters may be 13-year-olds, but they will eat you alive!
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