'Syncopation' at its best when it's dancing

Robert Hurwitt, Chronicle Theater Critic

Ballroom dancing can be such a richly textured metaphor -- for the aspirations of outsiders, developing intimacy, dreams of social integration, the personal liberation of the lonely -- that it's little wonder the theme has been so widely used in films and plays of late. Allan Knee's "Syncopation" is charming and amusing enough much of the time, but not quite original or interestingly explored enough to make much of an impression.

Dancing together, they make connection

“Syncopation” plays like an exquisite piece of music. Even though we know exactly where the pattern of notes will take us, variations on the theme and the beauty of the performances offer unexpected thrills.
....
What makes “Syncopation” such a delight to watch, though, is [Allen] Knee’s ability to weave an astonishing amount of historical information, music, and dance into this simple boy-meets-girl story.