By Nathan Douglas Gardner, Standard Correspondent
On Sept. 28, the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre will come alive with the rhythms of “Tango Tonight!” This original musical, a collaboration between Hartford playwright Joy Kosta and Wilder composer Bob Merrill, will present its first musically accompanied public reading — described as a “public reading plus.”
Before the reading, nationally acclaimed tango artists Adriana Salgado and Orlando Reyes will perform in a special exhibition.
For the “Tango Tonight!” team, this reading marks a significant step toward following in the footsteps of Vermont-born musical successes like Alison Bechdel’s “Fun Home” on the road to Broadway. “After this, the next big step is getting the play published and performed widely,” Kosta said. “We need a professional theater — ideally one with a history of taking new works to off-Broadway — to co-produce a fully staged version.”
Front row, from left: Eva Zimet, Andy Carmichael, Dan Naranjo, Joy Kosta, Peter Concilio, Susanna Stein, and Bob Merrill; Back row: Jenn Langhus, Danae Carlson, Mike Backman, Alex Rushton, Katie Kitchel, Chris Flockton, and Brendan McClure. Mackenzie Hendricks Photo
“Tango Tonight!” — Kosta’s passion project — draws deeply from the rich, sensual tradition of Argentine tango while weaving it into the framework of a contemporary musical. “Tango brings people from all walks of life together,” Kosta told the Standard. “When they come together, they are physically connected. It’s impossible to dance three consecutive dances with someone and not form a bond.”
That concept of connection is at the heart of the musical, where tango becomes both a metaphor and a medium for the characters’ journeys of discovery.
A striking example of this is the character Moira, played by White River Junction actress Katie Kitchel. Moira, a closeted bisexual professor, finds empowerment and confidence through her immersion in the world of tango. “Tango is such an expressive form of dance,” Kitchel said. “So much of the story is conveyed through movement.”
The road from concept to stage has been a long one for “Tango Tonight!,” which began development in 2013. Over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged production with 21 original songs. For Merrill, the music represents a fusion of traditional and contemporary styles. “There’s a strong tango influence, but also familiar musical theater elements,” Merrill said. “It’s a merging of two worlds.”
Several cast members joined the project this summer, including Norwich’s Jenn Langhus, who plays Janel, a serious career woman and friend of Moira’s. “The passion and dedication are palpable,” Langhus said. “Everyone’s fully committed to making this something truly special.”
Among the more colorful characters in the production is Mort, a devilish con artist, portrayed by Chris Flockton of Woodstock. Flockton, a seasoned actor, admitted he initially hesitated to take on the role. “I’m not a traditional singer,” he said. “When I’m asked to do a musical, my first instinct is to say ‘no,’ but I have this rule to always say ‘yes,’ and I’m so glad I did. This is a special project.”
Veteran director Tom Beck of Woodstock was first introduced to “Tango Tonight!” in 2014 when he was asked to review an early draft of the script. His involvement resumed earlier this year after he attended a reading at Northern Stage. “I was invited to observe the first reading in April,” Beck said. “I gave my notes to Joy and Bob, and a month later, they asked me to direct. I’m honored and flattered they entrusted me with this role.”
Beck says he sees directing a new work as both a challenge and a unique opportunity. “When you’re directing something new, it’s not about putting your stamp on it,” Beck said. “My role is to interpret Joy and Bob’s vision and work with the cast to bring out the best in the script.”
While “Tango Tonight!” is a love letter to the musical style, Beck emphasized that the show is deeply rooted in Vermont. “It’s not trying to be Argentinian, but it bends over backward to honor the culture and the music of tango,” he said.
Diversity and inclusion are central themes in the production. “Tango has evolved,” Kosta said. “Anyone can lead or follow, regardless of gender.” The inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters was a deliberate choice to reflect both the diversity of the modern tango community and the broader world. “It was important to create characters our audience can connect with and embrace,” Kosta said.
The musical’s final number, “Tango Mi Mundo” (“Tango My World”), encapsulates the show’s overarching message: tango is a global, unifying force. “[Tango Tonight!] is an invitation for people to discover tango,” Kitchel said. “It’s more than a dance — it’s a way of connecting.”
The public reading of “Tango Tonight!” will take place on Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Woodstock Town Hall Theatre. A post-performance talkback session will follow, offering audience members the chance to help shape the future of the production. Tickets are available at PentangleArts.org, and reservations are recommended.