A human just like you: Drew Lachey’s ‘Label•less’
Our take
## Our Take: Beyond the Labels, Finding Power in Expression
Drew Lachey and Lea Lachey’s *Label•less* sounds like precisely the kind of project our community needs to see flourishing. A showcase of individual voices, exploring the impact of societal labels through monologue, song, and dance? Absolutely! It resonates deeply with the ethos we champion here – the celebration of individuality, body positivity, and the transformative power of movement. We've always believed that dance, in all its forms, is a vehicle for self-discovery and liberation, and *Label•less* appears to be tapping into that potential. It's exciting to see a production centering on personal narratives, particularly in a landscape that often prioritizes spectacle over substance. The core concept mirrors the importance of experiences detailed in [Calgary Dance Teacher Expo: One of Canada’s most exciting dance events of the year], where fostering individual growth and expression within a supportive environment is key. Further demonstrating the broader impact of creative outlets, research shared in [New research associates dance and positive affect in children and adolescents] shows the tangible benefits of artistic expression on mental wellbeing, a message that *Label•less* seems to be amplifying.
The premise of each cast member sharing their experience with societal labels, followed by an artistic representation of their emotions, is incredibly potent. This isn’t just about complaining about societal pressures; it’s about *owning* those feelings and channeling them into something beautiful and powerful. Think about it: when we feel constricted by labels – whether they’re related to body image, career, relationships, or anything else – it stifles our creativity and our joy. As someone who understands the power of movement to unlock emotions and build confidence (both on and off the pole!), I see the potential for *Label•less* to be deeply moving and inspiring. The high energy reported by Dance Informa is fantastic, but the real magic, I suspect, will be in the vulnerability and authenticity each performer brings to their personal story. It's about allowing oneself to be seen, flaws and all.
The form itself – a series of monologues and dance numbers – is a smart choice. It allows for a diverse range of voices and styles to be represented, reflecting the incredible heterogeneity of human experience. The lack of a traditional narrative thread also encourages audience members to connect with each individual story on a personal level. It’s an invitation to reflect on their own labels and the ways they’ve been influenced by societal expectations. It reminds us that we are all, fundamentally, complex and multifaceted individuals, far more than any single label can encapsulate. The importance of nuanced storytelling, particularly when exploring sensitive topics, is further highlighted by the thoughtful and evocative work showcased in [Kinetic truth, spanning time: Abilities Dance Boston’s ‘Firebird 2’], demonstrating how movement can communicate profound emotions and experiences.
Ultimately, *Label•less* feels like a vital contribution to the conversation around self-acceptance and empowerment. It’s a reminder that our stories matter, and that expressing ourselves authentically can be a powerful act of resistance against the forces that try to define us. It's a brave and necessary undertaking, and I'm eager to see how it evolves and inspires audiences. The question now is: will this kind of emotionally resonant, individual-focused performance model become a more prominent force in the theatrical landscape, offering a counterpoint to the often-overwhelming spectacle of larger productions, and providing a platform for untold stories to finally be heard?
Label•less, the Off-Broadway musical by Drew Lachey (of 98 Degrees) and his wife Lea, is currently running at The Duke theater in NYC. The show has no particular storyline, and operates more like a showcase of monologues, dancing and singing by an ensemble cast. One by one, each cast member takes the stage and delivers a speech about how the labels of society impact them, followed by a song and dance number representing their emotions.
The young cast was full of enthusiasm, and brought high energy for the entire 100 minutes of the performance. The show is presented without an intermission, and while in general I enjoy that format, much past 75 minutes is too long for no intermission. It begs for interruption as people inevitably shuffle in and out for the restroom. I managed to make it without leaving the theater, but just barely.
The show mentioned racism, homophobia, eating disorders, disability, sexism and more – there were 26 separate numbers in the show. Each explained, “I’m different, but I’m a human just like you.” Hardly a groundbreaking revelation in 2026, and each song and dance that followed continued in the same dilettantish fashion. That said, the performers all had a shockingly strong vocal ability for such an inexperienced cast.
This show doesn’t ask much of its audience in terms of artistic consideration, but it delivers handily on the energy. The dedication of the performers carried the show throughout its duration, a necessary lift. While the themes of the show are deeply important topics to consider as society evolves, this show just touched on the tip of what could be explored. However, the infectiousness of the performers was inspirational to watch.
By Emily Sarkissian of Dance Informa.
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