Irresistible ‘Shaping Sound’ brings TV dance stars to Proctors stage

PHOTOGRAPHER: Wendy Liberatore

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SCHENECTADY — Never underestimate the power of TV.

On Thursday night, crowds of enthusiastic and often screaming fans poured into Proctors to see the pop dance stars from the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance” perform in “Shaping Sound.”

And regardless of content of this fantasy showcase of dance, the audience was jazzed at the chance to see show creators and stars Travis Wall and Nick Lazzarini performing their explosive pyrotechnics live.

Wall, Lazzarini as well as co-creators Teddy Forance and Kyle Robinson and their cast of 10 did not disappoint. The “Shaping Sound” ensemble, with Jaimie Goodwin as the lead female, lit the stage afire with the hard-hitting and sexually overt dancing that has become popular with TV audiences of all ages.

The creators wisely wrapped up their dance numbers —– big and small — in a love story that unfolded in a dream. The framework gave the quartet of choreographers artistic license to explore wild scenarios: dark angels, flying, demons and death. Goodwin, as the thwarted lover, experienced it all as she eventually recaptured the heart of her beau, danced by Robinson.

“Shaping Sound” opened with the full cast dashing and darting across the stage as shafts of lights flashed, enhancing the whirlwind of activity that pumped up the dancers and the audience. Goodwin appeared in the quiet spaces of the stage, hugging herself in a dark coat, looking lost and lonely.

The crowd dispersed and the simple setting of a bed and movable walls, designed by Jesus Rodriguez and Gregory Anderson, swept into view. Goodwin stretched her arms toward Robinson who pushed her aside and stormed out. As she laid upon her empty bed, her adventurous reverie took shape.

Lazzarini obviously was enjoying his time center stage — he couldn’t hold back his smile. He descended from above, like an angel, coaxing the distraught woman to rise and soar into a dreamscape with him. She took his hand and a world of spirits came into view.

The work advanced into the realm of fantasy, a vehicle for the dancers to flaunt their chops, which are strong and varied. Much of the dancing centered on big group numbers: “Rouge Lounge,” which closed the first half of the program, and “Escape from Reality” with the men posturing to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The lighting, designed by Seth Jackson and Nathan Scheuer, was as much as a star as the commanding and electric dance.

The program also featured a few powerful duets, especially with Robinson and Chantel Aguirre engaged in a fitful and combative night’s sleep.

While the women were equally highlighted by the creators, the dancing was often so rugged and jarring that they often looked out of sorts and awkward. Some of the transitions were a bit too choppy as well. But all-in-all “Shaping Sound” was an irresistible show — and a testament to TV.