Georgia Athearn and Jason Godin Photo by Rhonda Ware

We meet Lily Harrison in her home, nervously awaiting her new dance instructor. Athearn does a splendid job in her role–as Lily grows, so does our affection for her. Opening night's audience appeared to empathize completely with Lily's many dilemmas as she navigated her character's new experiences, undergoing personal growth and a new appreciation for those different from herself and her usual circle.

Jason Godin's Michael Minetti is immediately appealing and undoubtedly charming. He's also not above telling a few more than white lies. Godin has fun with his character, his facial expressions giving tell to Michael's actual feelings in a given situation. Yet we encounter his basic honesty and intrinsically good nature when he comes up against, and is forced to contend with, real life. Both actors seem to have a genuine affection for each other and this shines through on stage. It is a pleasure to watch them interact.

Romance, in the greater sense of this word, abounds here. Director Klein (who also designed the beautiful 1990s-era set) has taken exceptional care with every aspect of the production. The music, a mixture of Irving Berlin, Johan Strauss II, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, The Beach Boys, and Lennon and McCartney among many, will be familiar and appealing to all. Lighting design, often a footnote in reviews, is, in this case, a major contributor to the success of the show. Major kudos to lighting designer Jerry Hines for his imaginative and beautifully executed design. Silhouettes have rarely been used with the appeal they have here. Very well done. Shout out also to board operator Michael Klein for his expertise in running the board.

Choreographer Grady Reuler obviously had fun creating the variety of dance moves he had to teach, "Dancing with the Stars" coming a poor second to his mixture of swing, tango, waltz, foxtrot, cha-cha, and contemporary dances. Credit is due to both actors for learning, (and Reuler for teaching) all the above in addition to their other acting responsibilities. Resident scenic artist and props designer Linda Wilson has done stellar work with this set. It really is lovely. From the "marble" floor to the ocean view, both which deserve acclaim, her choices of furniture and decor truly evoke 1998 Florida.

Credit for costume design goes to Jason Godin, the same Jason Godin who stars as Michael Minetti. Yet again, the care and attention obvious in other aspects of the show is evident here. You will love, and on occasion laugh, at the get-ups. Dresser (and stage manager) Ava "Mac" Gutierrez must be working hard behind the scenes to have Athearn and Godin dressed in time for the very short scene changes. Assistant stage manager and sole crew member Adrian Doerfler also has his work cut out, working a total of seven scene changes between the two acts.

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is well worth a visit. If you want to see it, and I think you should, plan on going sooner rather than later as it has a short run.

Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks runs through May 18, 2025, at the The Adobe Theater, 9813 4th St. NW (two blocks north of Alameda), Albuquerque NM. Friday and Saturday 7:30 pm Sunday 2:00 pm. For tickets and information, please visit adobetheater.org.