Theatre people are superstitious. This goes for most artists and even athletes but theatre people are SUPER superstitious. Don't say good luck or call "The Scottish Play" by name in a theatre.

And, while not really a superstition, it's at least a well-known and accepted tradition that opening night is not necessarily a good representation of how the rest of the run will be.  

Opening night of Tacoma Little Theatre's Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks by Richard Alfieri was hopefully a fairly good representation of the rest of the run. There were a few little issues with lines, but the actors were experienced enough that it didn't throw them off. Honestly, these slight flubs have probably already been worked out.

Directed by Frank Kohel and starring Sharry O'Hare and Michael O'Hara, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is a delightful and modern story of an older woman, Lily, who has signed up for dance lessons. Her instructor, Michael, shows up to her apartment in St. Petersburg Beach, FL and is so abrasive and offensive that Lily calls the dance studio manager. Michael manages to convince her - with tales of his sick wife - that he must not lose this job. Amazingly Lily relents, even though Michael has expressed that he thinks she is a "tight assed, old biddy."

Each scene is focused on a different dance, with travels through swing, the tango, the waltz, the foxtrot, the cha cha and contemporary dance. As we see Michael instructing a rather talented dancer, we learn more about the two character's lives, and the fact that Lily really just needs a partner. Each dance lesson is interrupted by the downstairs neighbor, Ida, who calls to complain about the music being too loud.

What makes the play so enjoyable to watch is the comedic timing and talent of Sharry O'Hare. O'Hare is celebrating her 50th year on stage and her experience and talent shine in this play. Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks is on TLT's Second Stage and is a more contemporary script than some of the main stage productions. The play is interspersed with bawdy language, occasional profanity and a relationship that is based on "our usual pattern of lying and arguing." Quotable lines run throughout the show and several are extremely comical. One of the best?

"If you say your real age, your face hears it." 

While Sharry O'Hare and Michael O'Hara are married in real life, this 20-year relationship is completely hidden on stage. One of the audience members, during intermission, remarked, "I had no idea they were married." Both actors were convincing as strangers - and this fact made the developing friendship of the characters very enjoyable, and impressive, to watch.  O'Hare is completely convincing as the wife of a Southern Baptist Minister, retired 30 year school teacher and southern bell. O'Hara is good as the flamboyant, loud, Italian dance instructor.

There will be a special "Toast to Sharry O'Hare" on Sunday, Feb. 21 - including reception at 6 p.m. with desserts, spirits and live music. The celebration of O'Hare will really kick off at 6:45 p.m. with friends and family taking the stage to share stories.

[Tacoma Little Theater Second Stage, Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, through Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. Friday - Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, $15, 210 North I Street, Tacoma, tacomalittletheatre.com]