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A CurtainUp Review
Manhattan Madcaps of 1924
By Brad Bradley
|
Although the concocted libretto by Jerzy Turnpike (understood in fact to be a silly pseudonym for Symphony Space’s own Artistic Director Isaiah Sheffer) is efficiently and ebulliently evocative of the time in which Rodgers and Hart rose to fame, the reason for this show of course is its cornucopia of wonderful tunes and lyrics. One very familiar tune, "Blue Moon," does show up repeatedly, but only with its mostly unknown earlier lyrics, all in songs dropped from shows. The script in fact plays somewhat like On the Town. Instead of three sailors on 24-hour leave courting their dates du jour, this plot centers on three young men in New York and the important ladies in their lives. Added to the comedic mix are a maverick candidate for mayor and his female admirer/promoter. Additional action revolves around the inevitable rocky roads of love and the classic New York theme of apartment hunting. When plot ends are tied together for this amiable octet of characters, the program appropriately closes with the team’s still memorable first major success, "Manhattan," which was heard first in Garrick Gaieties of 1925.
The cast is a spirited and charming ensemble with a high level of musical comedy verve, although none display extraordinary singing voices. This shortcoming, while overcome in many respects owing to the cast’s considerable general performance skills, would never have been tolerated by Richard Rodgers in his day. On the other hand, Mr. Rodgers likely would be enchanted, as was I, by the simple but delicious arrangements by Lanny Meyers, who also does stellar work as musical director and pianist. Supporting him are the equally gifted Yair Evnine on both cello and guitar, and the sublime sounds of Todd Sullivan on both violin and voila. The overture and dance segments are pure enchantment. An additional welcome asset is hearing both the singers and the instrumentalists au natural, without amplification or auditory gimmickry. The diction is perfect, and not a lyric or word of dialogue is lost to the ear.
Especially winning in their comic performances are Ivy Austin as a struggling actress, Christine Bokhour as a rodeo aspirant, and Sidney J. Burgoyne as the mayoral hopeful. Ms. Austin’s mime accompaniment to "Simpatica" is hilarious, Ms. Bokhour’s twangy take on "Way Out West on West End Avenue" widens smiles all over the theater, and Mr. Burgoyne’s spirited leading of two other comic songs sets the stage afire. Another highlight is the amusing comic feud staging of "Everything I’ve Got," showcasing the charming Nick Verina and Katie Allen as a romantic pair relocating from middle America.
The brisk and well-paced direction by Annette Jolles maintains fizzy fun throughout the performance, and Ryan Scott’s simple but subtly art deco unit set enhances the roaring twenties atmosphere. Choreography by Regina Larkin also adds to the pleasure, accenting the effervescent spirit of the production. This reviewer had a great time, as apparently did the entire audience.
| Manhattan Madcaps of 1924 Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics by Lorenz Hart Libretto by Jerzy Turnpike Translation by Isaiah Sheffer Directed by Annette Jolles Cast: Katie Allen, Ivy Austin, Christine Bokhour, Sidney J. Burgoyne, Michael Simon Hall, Howard Kaye, Staci Rudnitsky, Nick Verina Musical Arrangements & Direction by Lanny Meyers Choreography by Regina Larkin Setting by Ryan Scott Lighting Design by Brian Aldous Costumes by Madeline Cohen Running time: one hour, 15 minutes (no intermission) Presented by Symphony Space at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Symphony Space, Broadway at 95th Street (212) 864-5400, www.symphonyspace.org. From July 13 to 23, 2004 Wed.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. Tickets: $19 Reviewed by Brad Bradley |
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