Initially developed at MASS MoCA in 2021, Maxine Lyle’s new work STEP SHOW: THE MUSICAL is a two-act theatrical production, currently in progress, that showcases African American step dance and its role in Black college life. Infusing body percussion with hip-hop, R&B, and soul, this intergenerational coming-of-age story takes a riveting ride through the world of step dance and its imprint on Black culture. The characters usher the audience into the atmosphere of a traditional step show, inviting them to join in raucous verbal and rhythmic call and responses and tune their ears to heavy, bass-driven beats. STEP SHOW considers the stakes for self and community when the transference of a powerful oral and physical lineage is lost or interrupted in Black bodies and Black spaces. See this new work while still in development this fall.

Make a Plan

• Preferred ticket holders get the best seat in the house and museum admission on the day of or after the event.
• This performance will take place inside MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center.
• Please note, museum admission is not included with your event ticket unless indicated. Purchase museum admission here.
• All events at MASS MoCA are accessible to all audiences. Please contact accessibility@massmoca.org if you would like to inquire about accessibility needs and services.
• By purchasing a ticket to join MASS MoCA’s visitors, staff, and artists on the museum campus, you agree to follow a Courtesy Code, detailed here.
• All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges.

Planning on dinner before the show? Check out restaurants in downtown North Adams or find a nosh right here on campus: BIGGDADDY’s Philly Steak House, Bright Ideas Brewing, Casita, or Lickety Split Cafe. Lickety Split Cafe, our museum cafe, will also serve small bites during the show. A full bar serves Bright Ideas Brewing beers and Berkshire Mountain Distillery spirits.

This program is supported in part by the Irene Hunter Fund for Dance at MASS MoCA in association with Jacob’s Pillow.