Consider these facts: The musical revue Gershwin and Friends sold out before it even opened in 2010 and, over the past eight years at the Skylight, was one of only two shows brought back for a consecutive year. I’m not saying what’s popular is always right, but I am saying that Gershwin can do no wrong.
Gershwin and Friends opened last weekend at the Skylight Opera Theatre, restaged for the larger Cabot Theatre. Actually, the Skylight Opera announced last week that it has officially changed its name to Skylight Music Theatre to more accurately capture what they do. The Skylight will continue to present operas, operettas, musicals and music revues.
Directed by Bill Theisen, Gershwin and Friends showcases Skylight favorites Cynthia Cobb, Parrish Collier and Paul Helm. The three actors make up the entire cast and are the same three from the successful 2010 performance.
‘‘Having the opportunity to bring this show to the Cabot Theatre stage not only gives us the opportunity to perfect and add to what was already a great show, but to really highlight the grandness of Gershwin and his contemporaries in this beautiful space that is the Cabot,’’ says Theisen.
Set in the midst of the Jazz Age, this original production uses 36 classic songs that take the audience from the Gershwin estate to a swingin’ jazz club in Harlem. Tunes like I Got Rhythm, Summertime and Rhapsody in Blue round out the classic set.
Act I takes place at a birthday party at the Gershwin estate where the three main characters are caterers, taking in the party behind the scenes. In Act II, the friends celebrate Parrish’s birthday at a jazz club in Harlem with Gershwin’s friends: Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and Harold Arlen. A live jazz quartet on stage enhances the scene and is “a great visual and a nice differentiation,” says Theisen. “And of course it sounds great to have live music projecting right from the stage.” One more fun fact: Harold Arlen, responsible for the score to The Wizard of Oz, is “maybe the most underrated American composer of all time.” At least according to the Skylight.
Although Theisen is a huge Gershwin fan, this is the first time he’s had an opportunity to direct one of his works for the Skylight. When asked about Gershwin’s timeless and universal appeal he replied: “It’s hard to put your thumb on it, but there is something about his rhythms. The music really gets in your head and there is just something that speaks to your soul.”
Speaking of Gershwin’s timeless appeal, this spring there will be two Gershwin musicals concurrently on Broadway: a revival of Porgy and Bess and Nice Work if You Can Get It.
Let Gershwin and Friends get stuck in your head at the Broadway Theatre Center (158 N. Broadway). It runs through February 12 and tickets are $22.50 to $65.50. Click here to buy online or call the box office at (414) 291-7800.
One more not to miss: Alverno Presents Kayhan Kalhor and Brooklyn Rider
Saturday, Feb. 4 at 8 p.m., Pitman Theatre (39th St. and Morgan Ave.)
-Kayhan Kahlor, is the famed Iranian kamancheh (spike-fiddle) player. Say what? Check him out for yourself. He will play alongside the string quartet Brooklyn Rider. Purchase tickets ($30) by calling Alverno Presents Box Office (414) 382-6044 or online by clicking here.
