Libertyville Native Performs in "Sweet Tap Chicago"

Libertyville native, Sarah Owens, will perform in Chicago Tap Theatre's Sweet Tap Chicago. Artistic Director Mark Yonally and Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) presents Sweet Tap Chicago Sunday, March 10 at 3 and 7 p.m. at The City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. Sweet Tap Chicago is a celebration of Chicago musicians and music, with all new arrangements by Kurt Schweitz, a live jazz quintet featuring rapper/singer/host Taylor Mallory and tap dancing. Musicians and bands to be covered include Chicago, Smashing Pumpkins, Chaka Khan, Curtis Mayfield and more. Doors open one hour prior to start time and the running time of the performance is one hour and twenty minutes including one short break. Tickets are $40 for reserved admission seating and may be purchased at ChicagoTapTheatre.com, by calling 800-440-8539 or at the door, pending availability. Group discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more.

New this year will be live video projection giving audiences the most intimate view of Chicago Tap Theatre than they’ve ever had in its 15-year history. “We will be live-projecting the dancers on both sides of the stage, allowing the audience to see every intricate movement and better connect the sound and visuals,” said Yonally.

“Bringing tap dance to the jazz club is important to CTT, and we couldn’t pass up an opportunity to return to City Winery, one of the premier live-music destinations in Chicago. I grew up tap dancing in the jazz clubs of Kansas City, and the connection between live music and tap dance has always been the root of my love affair with tap. This helps fulfill my young-artist dreams to make sure that even as CTT becomes associated with larger venues and grander shows, we keep one foot in the jazz club door,” Yonally continued.

He added, “The best thing about bringing back Sweet Tap Chicago for another round is that we now have the opportunity to bring back all the favorites from last year’s edition, plus my two favorite dances from Tapped for the Very First Time, and then add some all-new work to the mix. It is going to a “Greatest Hits Plus” experience, for the dancers and the audience!”

One of these pieces is going to be a brand-new all-male dancer piece, featuring the 5 men currently dancing in the Company, choreographed by Kirsten Uttich, who’s been making a name for herself as a dancemaker.

Sweet Tap Chicago will feature choreography by Mark Yonally, Kirsten Uttich and Rich Ashworth. Dancers include Mark Yonally, Jennifer Yonally, Kirsten Uttich, Isaac Stauffer, Aimee Chase, Sterling Harris, Heather Latakas, Case Prime, Molly Smith, Bailey Caves, Anabel Watson and Chris Matthews.