Backstage action, drama will move out front in musical

By Jerry Fink

Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 | 2 a.m.

Michael Kessler and Melinda Jackson have the world at their feet.

The husband-and-wife dance team, who have performed around the world, will star in “Dance With Me” on Saturday at the Charleston Heights Arts Center.

The musical features a cast of 11 performers from such Strip productions as “O,” “Jersey Boys” and “American Superstars.”

“This is a zany, light-hearted story about making up a show on the spot,” Jackson says. “We give the audience an entertaining backstage look at the creation of dance music arrangements and the process of putting a show of love songs and dances together to tell stories and anecdotes about performers’ lives and careers.”

Jackson and Kessler direct, choreograph, write, produce and perform in all of their original productions. They head M&M American Dance Theatre and Las Vegas Dance Musical Theatre Company.

“Dance With Me” is the company’s third production since relocating to Las Vegas from New York City three years ago. The other two were “Let’s Dance” and “Dancin’ Feet.”

They collaborated with Keith Thompson, music director of “Jersey Boys,” on this production. In addition to being the music director of the show and playing piano, Thompson will play a character and sing.

“Dance With Me” includes original music as well as classics from the Great American Songbook and more contemporary tunes by Ben E. King and Tim McGraw.