PITT'S KUNTU REPERTORY THEATRE TO PRESENT "TAP DANCE KID"

PITTSBURGH, April 18 -- The University of Pittsburgh's internationally-renowned Kuntu Repertory Theatre concludes its 26th season with "The Tap Dance Kid," May 17 through June 2, in the 7th floor Auditorium of the historic Masonic Temple, 4227 Fifth Avenue, Oakland.

Written by Charles Blackwell, with music by Henry Krieger, lyrics by Robert Lorick, and directed by guest artist Ernest McCarty, "The Tap Dance Kid" is a musical based on the novel, "Nobody's Family's Going to Change," by Louis Fitzhugh. It has been described as "a cornucopia of music, drama, comedy, and tap dancing" that tells the story of a 10-year-old black kid named Willie. Willie's only goal in life is to dance like his uncle, who is an aspiring Broadway choreographer, and very much Willie's mentor.

The cast includes Tasha Michelle Smith as Emma; Donyla Montgomery as Willie (the "Tap Dance Kid"); Brenda Marks as Willie's mother, Ginnie; Eva Brooks as Dulcie, the maid; Anthony McElroy as Willie's father, William; Varian Huddleston as Uncle Dipsey; Lonzo Green as Granddaddy Bates; Gina Fata as one chorus girl, Mona; and Lonnique Hatley as another chorus girl, Carole.

Appropriate for the entire family, this musical launched the careers of Alphonso Ribeiro (from "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air") and hip hop tapper Savion Glover.

Performances are presented Thursday through Sunday. Thursday through Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. Sunday curtain time is 4 p.m. For subscription, group discount, and other ticket information, call 412-624-7298, or visit the web site at www.kuntu.org.

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