Memories came flooding back as Dave Eggar, former Attack Theatre music director, returned for a special event, DEAR Sessions!, at the AT studio in Lawrenceville.
A remarkably talented and versatile cellist, Dave has been an integral part of Attack since 1999, making live music part of its signature performances. Those collaborations! From the East End to the North Shore, from the Warhol Museum to the Carnegie. Like the adventurous Luke, Leia and Han in the cinema realm, Dave and founders Peter Kope and Michele de la Reza experienced exotic adventures in faraway places, although this threesome would explore the more earthly France and Japan.
Dave went on to get a Grammy® and play at the White House, but, whenever there was time in his schedule, he stopped in Pittsburgh (and even wound up spending the pandemic with de la Reza and Kope). For DEAR Sessions!, he brought Grand Prize Winner of the NPR Mountain Stage New Song Contest singer-songwriter Amber Rubarth, and Max ZT – who NPR calls “the Hendrix of the hammered dulcimer.”
The “DEAR” in the title came from the sources: Dave Eggar and Amber Rubarth. By forming anagrams of their names, the words provided inspiration for the dance segments: DARE, READ — you get the idea.
The music was mesmerizing, for the most part an ethereal haze that touched the heart when the trio was playing together. But the audience also got to hear solo musical chunks from each. The warmth of Rubarth’s folk-hued approach, with down-to-earth, yet heavenly words to cling to, was the glue that held the evening together.
Max ZT was the surprise of the evening, dashing off a solo that sounded like fairies frolicking in the eventide. But it was Eggar who brought it all home, content to let others have the spotlight, supporting them, nurturing them, but erupting in uncanny improvisational touches. Stunning. Virtuosic. So many reminders of why Pittsburgh has missed him so much.
The evening was also a reminder of how Attack is developing its home, which I predict will become a keystone of the bustling Lawrenceville scene. And de la Reza and Kope are also skillfully developing a new edition of the company. Sarah Zielinski is the only veteran, a spirited carryover from the pre-pandemic days. She was joined by Isabella Bergamin, Lydia Clinton, Ethan Gwynn and Miranda Nichols, who had a playful attitude as they pulled from a rack of accessories. Together they have a congeniality and enthusiasm that has given this dance brew its own magnetism.
By the way, de la Reza was inspired to join them. She blended in so easily, but it was particularly gratifying to watch her sculpt her movement — so intelligent and meaningful in her approach.
Yes, new personalities mean a new “attack,” this time with an old friend.
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