McCarter Theater Production review.
John Doyle’s brilliant and innovative review of the eternally beloved music of Rogers & Hart utterly captivated the packed McCarter Theater audience and was among the most memorable evenings of musical theater we have experienced. As soon as we saw Scott Pask’s wonderful stage set – a cluttered “backstage” area dominated by a really fabulous spiral staircase, we knew we were in for something special and we were correct.
The show presents one man’s memories of life, love and music without dialog. He enters as if re-visiting a past that is painful, yet still draws him to recall love he once knew. The grand piano center stage tempts him and he begins to play. As he does so, those memories in the form of 5 women perfectly gowned and hair styled in the manner of the 1930s-’40s come down the staircase. That they are memories is made clear by the fact that they are animated only while music is playing.
Malcom Gets as the man remembering and Donna McKechnie, Diana Dmarzio, Jesica Tyler Wright, Jane Pfitsch and Elisa Winter turned in a performance that would have brought Rogers & Hart themselves to their feet with applause. Mr. Gets’ brilliant piano playing and superb singing voice formed the perfect accompaniment to the nothing short of astonishing multiple talents of the 5 ladies. Not only did these ladies sing and act their way through all the favorites of the Rogers & Hart repertoire, they played every instrument from bass to xylophone as well with a display of virtuosity that was amazing.
“Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered, My Funny Valentine, I Wish I Were In Love Again, The Lady Is A Tramp”: all these classics and many more truly left us leaving the theater “With A Song In My Heart.” If you love Broadway, see this production.
Ten Cents A Dance runs through October 9 but we attended on Pride Night – a special evening for the LGBT community. This included a pre-show reception with an open bar and a sinful array of the most delicious hors d’oeuvres that ever tempted us to betray a diet. Future Pride Nights are scheduled for Oct. 17 (Phaedra) Jan. 26 (The Convert) March 22 (Travesties) and May 17, (Are You There) See the McCarter Theater website for details on these and other productions www.mccarter.org
McCarter Theater Production review.
John Doyle’s brilliant and innovative review of the eternally beloved music of Rogers & Hart utterly captivated the packed McCarter Theater audience and was among the most memorable evenings of musical theater we have experienced. As soon as we saw Scott Pask’s wonderful stage set – a cluttered “backstage” area dominated by a really fabulous spiral staircase, we knew we were in for something special and we were correct.
