The lush, wistful elegance of Nat King Cole's iconic recording of “Stardust” contributes the title and the soundtrack for David Roussève's consideration of a gay African-American teenager who appears to the audience only through a series of projected text messages. In Roussève's Stardust, the dancers articulate the emotional content of those texts, with Cole's track augmented by d. Sabela grimes' original score. Cari Ann Shim Sham provides the video art projecting the text messages. Even in its earlier unfinished state, Stardust was dubbed one of the best dance performances of 2013 by the L.A. Times. This expanded version has toured nationally, appearing in the prestigious Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and returns with Roussève's troupe REALITY, a roster of some of L.A.'s most compelling contemporary dancers. Reviews have singled out Roussève's poignant solo segment as the boy's grandfather, a strong hint as to why this L.A.-based choreographer's mantel is heavy with CalArts' Herb Alpert Award, a NYC Bessie Award and L.A.'s Horton Award, among others. Cal State University Long Beach, Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton Street, Long Beach; Sat., Sept. 27, 8 p.m. $35-$40. (562) 985-7000, carpenterarts.org/stardust

Sat., Sept. 27, 8 p.m., 2014
(Expired: 09/27/14)

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.