Take two relaxing hours at the No Exit Cafe. Combine 62 of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beautiful melodies from ten of their iconic musicals (often arranged most uniquely). Cast six talented musical actors, one of whom (Austin Cook) also does triple duty as musical director and solo pianist on his own shiny white baby grand. Season with Fred Anzevino’s and Ben Mason’s collective directoral and choreographic vision and guidance. Then add the option for a dinner theatre package and you have a recipe for an enchanted evening of entertainment.
The revue becomes a trip down memory lane for most audience members, bringing to mind those forgotten gems from “State Fair,” “Cinderella,” “Flower Drum Song,” “Pipe Dream” and “Allegro,” as well as the more popularly produced shows like “The King and I,” “Oklahoma,” “South Pacific” “Carousel” and “The Sound of Music.” Younger audiences, however, may be hearing these often unacknowledged geniuses of Broadway’s Golden Age for the first time.
Performed upon a shiny faux white marble set with arches, stairways and lit plexiglass, Adam Veness’ gorgeous scenic design simply says “classy 1930’s nightclub.” Not only a talented accompanist, Cook’s lovely voice and charisma securely anchors this show. Jeremy Trager’s rich, effortless baritone wraps itself around such songs as “This Nearly Was Mine” and the moving “Soliloquy.” That pint-sized talent with the pixie smile, Dana Tretta, shines in numbers like “I Have Dreamed” and “I Can’t Say No.” Evan Tyrone Martin’s light tenor beautifully caresses “Maria,” while lovely Sara Schoch belts out “Wonderful Guy” then sweetly croons “Out of My Dreams.” Danni Smith, while a bit thin in her higher register, does well with “Something Wonderful.” Unique musical arrangements, beautiful voices and captivating performances all add up to an evening that is absolutely enchanting.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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