Reagle Music Theatre Presents Ballroom with a Twist 5/15

"Dancing with the Stars" goes toe to toe with "So You Think You Can Dance" and "American Idol" on Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m. when the Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston hosts the song and dance extravaganza "Ballroom with a Twist." Conceived and choreographed by popular "Dancing with the Stars" pro and world champion Louis Van Amstel, "Ballroom with a Twist" combines the elegance and discipline of classic ballroom dancing with the energy and athleticism of hip hop, jazz and Broadway.

"This very exciting show by Louis Van Amstel is a great fit for the Reagle Music Theatre audience," says Robert Eagle, producing artistic director of the award-winning Waltham-based regional theater company now in its 43rd season. "Our patrons know and appreciate great dancing. They have come to expect Broadway-caliber choreography from our summer musical productions. 'Ballroom with a Twist' continues that tradition. It is remarkable to see van Amstel's stunning concept brought to life by the show's extremely talented singing and dancing troupe."

Seasoned "Dancing with the Stars" professionals like Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo are joined by the remarkable "So You Think You Can Dance" alums Randi Lynn Evans, Jonathan Platero, and Gev Manoukian. "American Idol" finalists David Hernandez and Gina Glocksen lend their powerhouse vocals in numbers like "Rescue Me" and "You Can't Stop the Beat." Beautiful form-fitting costumes and vibrant background projections add another layer of combustibility to the evening.

Reviews for "Ballroom with a Twist" have been stellar. LA Weekly called the show "marvelously high-caliber entertainment" with "gorgeous costumes" and "exceptional choreography," offering "something for everyone." BroadwayWorld.com wrote, "The show is so electrically charged that it is guaranteed to keep audience members jumping for joy. This is one HOT evening you do not want to miss!" ArtsBeat/LA called it a "stunning and highly entertaining dance extravaganza" that serves audiences a "banquet of first-class ballroom dancing."

Reagle Music Theatre is offering special discounts and giveaways that promise to make "Ballroom with a Twist" even more thrilling for local fans. Dance studios are being invited to submit their top ballroom dance couples for a chance to perform on stage with the "Twist" cast. Couples who purchase tickets using a special promotional code are entered into a contest to win a free dance lesson from two of the show's hottest stars. One lucky Mom will win the chance to "dance with a star" based on contest entries submitted to the Reagle Facebook Page for Mother's Day. At one point in the show the entire audience will be invited to jump, jive and wail with the cast in the aisles.

"Ballroom with a Twist" performs Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m. at the Robinson Theatre, 617 Lexington Street, Waltham. Tickets are $35, $38, $43 and $50 ($25 for youths 5-18). Group and senior citizen discounts and student rush seats are also available. Tickets and information about contests and special offers are available online on Facebook or at www.reaglemusictheatre.org, by calling 781-891-5600, or by visiting the Box Office Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or 9 a.m. till curtain on the day of performance.