Thommie Retter

[Billy Whiz]

A youtube video of the "Master of Tap" at his workshop on October 8th, 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppwlViw6R9k

[ERinVA]

Looks like Trent and Thommie are going to repeat their guest appearance at the Dance Makers International Finals in Myrtle Beach, SC again this year:

http://www.dancemakersinc.com/blog/cele ... inals.html

[atreyu]

Here's a shout out to the man who makes "Born to Boogie" such a spectacle on Broadway with his unique skills. Today was the first show I saw without Thommie Retter and the absence was noticeable. Hope to see the inimitable Mr. Retter next time.

[Billy Fanatic]

Here's a shout out to the man who makes "Born to Boogie" such a spectacle on Broadway with his unique skills. Today was the first show I saw without Thommie Retter and the absence was noticeable. Hope to see the inimitable Mr. Retter next time.

I was at both shows on Sunday and agree, the role just isn't the same without Thommie. Both performances Michael Arnold certainly was more than credible as Mr. Braithwaite but something noticeable was missing without Thommie's magic infusing the part with his special spirit and skills. (Fortunately Thommie did do the part the other three performances I saw during this Billython - Thursday evening and both shows Saturday.

[StevenKing]

Thommie is the Mickey Hatcher of Broadway(if you get that you are a very very good Dodger fan)

[dongringo]

Thommie is the Mickey Hatcher of Broadway(if you get that you are a very very good Dodger fan)

I don't get it.

[Billy Whiz]

Thommie is the Mickey Hatcher of Broadway(if you get that you are a very very good Dodger fan)

I don't get it.

Thank god for that. I thought it was just me that was not on the same wavelength.

[StevenKing]

Then obviously you are not a very very good dodger fan.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Hatcher
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1988_World_Series

One of my fav baseball players...because I swear he looks like he was picked out of the stands to play, really didnt look like a ball player but he loved it and it showed. Plus he's now a hitting coach...Tommy and him just fit.

Steven

[atreyu]

...because I swear he looks like he was picked out of the stands to play, really didnt look like a ball player but he loved it and it showed.

Several of the comments have been made in a context for those who have seen Thommie Retter perform. So for those who have not had the pleasure, I will attempt to describe some part of the experience and maybe the thread will make a little more sense. But words cannot capture the enchantment and the advice would be to get to Broadway to see it for yourself.

You observe the Mr. Braithwaite character with the unkempt hairstyle sauntering around early and figure he'll just be part of the comic relief or something like that. Then he shows a few moves at the start of Born to Boogie and you think, Hey he moves pretty well for a big man. And then when Thommie demonstrates so incredibly well that hip hop is actually not just the domain of youngsters like Billy or street youths, you conclude OMG! Forget the large or small (trapezeoid?) qualifiers, this guy can dance!

It is something to write home about.

[ERinVA]

Yes he can! Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSABszmbApE