Right in step with the holidays
MALLS decked out in shopper-lulling holiday decor are nothing new this time of year, but the Grove in Los Angeles has opted for an unusual feel-good twist: high-stepping, Broadway-style chorus girls.
In addition to a 110-foot Christmas tree and a Santa house tricked out with waving teddy bears, giant ice cream cones and snowmen, the Grove recently launched the Top Hats, a troupe of high-stepping, Broadway-style chorus girls who perform slickly choreographed musical numbers.
These professional dancers, costumed by “Avenue Q” costume designer Mirena Rada like flirty but tasteful Santa’s helpers -- in short red velvet outfits with white furry trim, high-heeled tap shoes and glittery top hats -- tootle in on an old-fashioned trolley car to the outdoor retail complex’s main street.
With tap steps, a precision kick line and jazz hands, the troupe performs a five-minute routine to a holiday-themed score arranged by musical theater veteran Darryl Archibald. The routine was created by choreographer Dan Mojica, whose theatrical credits include Reprise! Broadway’s Best shows; twice a night the finale includes the snow that falls over the Grove each evening during the holidays, blown across the mall from surrounding roofs.
The Top Hats were inspired by the Radio City Rockettes and musicals of the 1930s and ‘40s, says producer Linda Berman, vice president of strategic branding and communications for Grove owner Caruso Affiliated. The dancers, who have extensive professional credits, aren’t just a Christmas gimmick, she says.
As the Grove’s “signature performance troupe,” they will appear several times a year and operate year-round as goodwill ambassadors and active participants in Caruso Affiliated’s charitable initiatives.
One of these, the L.A.-based A Place Called Home youth enrichment program, will have its own spotlight moment Wednesday, when several members of its dance program, ages 8 to 18, will perform at the Grove. They will join the Top Hats and perform solo at 3 p.m.
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The Top Hats
Where: The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A.
When: 2, 4, 6:45 and 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, next Thursday and Dec. 23.
Ends: Dec. 23
Info: www.thetophats.com
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