of  Stephen Sondheim

With the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Paul Gemignani, Conductor

With Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald,

Michael Cerveris & George Hearn

Directed by Lonny Price

At Ravinia as part of the Women’s Board Gala 2010

Tuneful concert  celebrates composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim

Featuring the fully lush sound of the full Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Women’s Board 2010 Gala sponsored another birthday celebration  (his 80th) for Stephen Sondheim in a concert that featured a rich assortment of Sondheim’s songbook with emphasis on his terrific wordplay lyrics.

The 65 minute concert started with a rousing Sondheim overture that gave depth to the composers unique style. Indeed the CSO lifted his tunes into the stratosphere!

The four vocalists: Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Michael Cerveris and George Hearn got this going with Sondheim’s “Together Wherever We Go” from Gypsy. Michael Cerveris nailed the tricky lyrics from “Finishing the Hat” and he and LuPone emotionally landed “Move On” both from Sunday in the Park with George.

Hearn, LuPone, McDonald and Cerveris sang a selection from A Little Night Music includding: “You Must Meet My Wife,” “Everyday A Little Death,” “Glamorous Life” (sung superbly by McDonald), “Send In The Clowns” emotionally rendered by LuPone and “It Would Have Been Wonderful” featuring Hearn and Cerveris.

Patti LuPone roused the audience with the anthem “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from her performance as Mama Rose (Gypsy) that started at Ravinia and eventually to Broadway garnering LuPone another Tony. The crowd cheered!

Selections from Passion and Anyone Can Whistle and a funny performance of  “Pretty Women” and “A Little Priest” demonstrated Sondheim’s smartly sophisticated lyrics as well as the talents of LuPone, Hearn and Cerveris to ‘sell’ a song. The show concluded with a bouncy rendition of  “Side By Side” from Company.

I only wished the show was longer since so many of Sondheim songbook begged to be heard. I was amazed that there wasn’t a bio of Stephen Sondheim nor any anecdotes about him presented on his birthday celebration. But then again, his songs speak to his genius – and that surly is enough.  I enjoyed the concert. Maybe a Jerry Herman, Kender & Ebb or Harold Arlen concert could be mounted at Ravinia? We can hope.

Recommended

Tom Williams

July 31, 2010

Produced by Jeanne Scherkenbach

Musical Director/piano accompanist Carolyn Wehner

At the Skokie Theatre Music Foundation

Patriotic, nicely sung tribute to American war vets a winner!

Using a well played piano (Carolyn Wehner) and the deft work from Joel Kopischke, Rachel Renee, Matt Richardson, Jeanne Scherkback  became a songfest of wartime tunes. From George M. Cohan’s “Over There” and “Yankee Doodle” to Irving Berlin’s “Oh How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning,” we heard the excellent voices from the cast as they pay homage to our vets.

The 80  minute revue give each of the 4 singers their place to shine and pianist/singer Carolyn Wehner adds music and a fine voice to the show.  World War II is well represented in boogie-woogie, swing and stirring  ballads and nice harmonic pop tunes from the big band era.

After the intermission, the Korean War is depicted in songs like “Mr. Sandman’ while Vietnam has Simon & Garfunkel’s “Scarborough Fare” and Peter Seeger’s “Where Have all the Flowers Gone?”  The Iraq war features  the tune “From a Distance” made popular by Bette Midler.

Voice of America is a nicely sung tribute that tries to cover too many eras but seems to please the audience, especially in the rousing Military Salute to each branch of our armed forces.  The patriots win the evening.

Recommended

Tom Williams

For more into checkout www.skokietheatre.org

Music by Harold Arlen (1905 – 1986)

Lyrics by Harold Arlen, Truman Capote, Ira Gershwin, E. Y.  Harburg,  Ted Koehler, Johnny Mercer, Leo Robin, Billy Rose, and Jack Yellen with additional lyrics by Mary Bracken Phillips

Director Fred Anzevino

Conceived and originally by Julianne Boyd

Produced by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

in association with Michael James

At No Exit Cafe, Chicago

Superb tuneful songfest of Harold Arlen’s music deftly sung and marvelously staged at No Exit Cafe

Theo Ubique, under Fred Anzevino’s leadership, returns to their cabaret roots by paying homage to composer/songwriter Harold Arlen. This revue contains many of the finest songs from the 30′s- 40′s and 50′s including “Over the Rainbow,” “Stormy Weather,” “Get Happy,” “It’s Only a Paper Moon” and “I’ve Got the World on a String” among the 37 songs with music by Arlen in collaboration with many of the finest lyricists of the era.

Utilizing the intimate space in the No Exit Cafe into an “L” shaped  stage, director Fred Anzevino and choreographer David Heimann deftly created dance and movements that enhanced the six person cast’s superb understanding of their songs. This cast not only projects and enunciates their lyrics smartly without being amplified, they “sell” the meanings and themes of each song effectively. The lyrics were crystal clear. You’ll not find a finer cast of cabaret singers anywhere – Sarah Hayes, Stephanie Herman, Bethany Thomas, Eric Lindahl, Eric Martin and Kristofer Simmons sing their hearts out as they are in full command of Arlen’s tunes. It is so refreshing to see the 20-30somethings enjoying hearing and singing the terrific tunes from the late 30′s through the 50′s.  We all know many of the sings, but many don’t know about Harold Arlen’s genius.

Music director and pianist, Steve Carson accompanies the six performers as he magnificently plays Arlen’s music. He also sings  “This Time the Dream’s on Me” tenderly.

Here is the song list with my comments:

Song List

Set 1

Blues In The Night (1941, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from Blues in the Night movie released by Warner Bros.) – Full Cast- each of the six instantly won us over.

Out Of This World (1945, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from Out of This World movie released by Paramount Pictures) – Eric Lindahl – nice melody

It Was Written In The Stars (1948, lyrics by Leo Robin, from Casbah movie released by Universal-International Pictures) – Eric Martin – richly sung

Stormy Weather (1933, lyrics by Ted Koehler, from Cotton Club Parade staged and produced by Dan Healy) – Bethany Thomas – belted with strong emotions – this lady can sing!

When The Sun Comes Out (1941, lyrics by Ted Koehler, from Blues in the Night movie released by Warner Bros.) – Stephanie Herman – bluesy

One For My Baby (And One More For The Road) (1943, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from The Sky’s the Limit movie released by RKO Radio Pictures) / Ac-cent-tchu-ate The Positive (Mr. In-Between) (1944, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from Here Come the Waves movie released by Paramount Pictures) – Kristofer Simmons & Eric Lindahl – nice sentimental duet

Down With Love (1937, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, from Hooray for What? staged by Vincent Minnelli and produced by the Shuberts at the Winter Garden) – Kristofer Simmons & Stephanie Herman – rich harmonies

Happy As The Day is Long (1933, lyrics by Ted Koehler, from Cotton Club Parade staged and produced by Dan Healy) – Eric Martin – the man can sell a song

As Long As I Live (1934, lyrics by Ted Koehler, from Cotton Club Parade staged and produced by Dan Healy) – Ladies Trio – sweet harmonies in a genuine 40′s style

Hit The Road To Dreamland (1942, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from Star Spangled Rhythm movie released by Paramount) – Ladies Trio – sung with heart

Hooray For Love (1948, lyrics by Leo Robin, from Casbah movie released by Universal-International Pictures)  – Sarah Hayes & Stephanie Herman -  fine duet

Buds Won’t Bud (1937 by E. Y. Harburg, from Hooray for What? staged by Vincent Minnelli and produced by the Shuberts at the Winter Garden) – Eric Lindahl -  a finely presented cute tongue-twister

Get Happy (1929, lyrics by Ted Koehler, introduced in The Nine-Fifteen Revenue in 1930) – Full Cast – nice movement and dance that would make Judy Garland happy

Intermission:  15 minutes

SET II

Lydia The Tattooed Lady (1939, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, from At the Circus movie released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) – Kristofer Simmons and Cast – a fun smart tune

It’s Only A Paper Moon (1932, lyrics by Billy Rose and E. Y. Harburg, from The Great Magoo produced by Billy Rose) – Sarah Hayes & Eric Martin- terrific bouncy tune nicely done

Gotta Have Me Go With You (1953, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, from A Star Is Born movie released by Warner Bros.) – Sarah Hayes, Kristofer Simmons & Eric Lindahl – the fun keeps coming

I Love To Sing-a (1935, lyrics by E. Y. Yarburg, from The Singing Kid movie released by Warner Bros.) – Eric Martin & Stephanie Herman – sung with joy

Push De Button (1956-57, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, from Jamaica produced by David Merrick) – Gentleman Trio – cute calypso tune with funny moments

Wizard Of Oz (1938, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, movie released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1939)

Optimistic Voices – Ladies Trio – sets the tone effectively

If I Only Had A Brain – Eric Lindahl – witty and cute

If I Only Had A Heart – Kristofer Simmons – has loads of heart

If I Only Had The Nerve – Bethany Thomas – funny and witty

This Time The Dream’s On Me (1941, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from Blues in the Night movie released by Warner Bros.) – Steve Carson – with deep emotion

Ill Wind (You’re Blowin’ Me No Good) (1934, lyrics by Ted Koehler, from Cotton Club Parade staged and produced by Dan Healy) – Stephanie Herman – with feeling

The Man That Got Away (1953, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, from A Star Is Born movie released by Warner Bros.) – Bethany Thomas – strong blues tune

Any Place I Hang My Hat Is Home (1946, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from St. Louis Woman produced by Edward Gross at the Martin Beck Theater) – Eric Lindahl – charming

I Had Myself A True Love (1946, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from St. Louis Woman produced by Edward Gross at the Martin Beck Theater) – Sarah Hayes – the torch still fires

I Never Has Seen Snow  / A Sleepin’ Bee (1954, lyrics by Truman Capote and Harold Arlen, from House of Flowers produced by Arnold Saint Subber at the Alvin Theater)) – Kristofer Simmons & Stephanie Herman- excellent 11 o’clock tune

Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe (1942, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, from Cabin in the Sky movie released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) – Bethany Thomas – this lady has soul!

Finale

Let’s Fall In Love (1933, lyrics by Ted Koehler, from Let’s Fall in Love movie released by Columbia Pictures) – Sarah Hayes & Eric Martin – with grace and charm

Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (1931, lyrics by Ted Koehler, from Rhythmania produced and staged by Dan Healy at the Cotton Club) –  Eric Martin & Stephanie Herman – bouncy blues duet

I’ve Got The World On A String (1932, lyrics by Ted Koehler, from Cotton Club Parade staged and produced by Dan Healy)  – Bethany Thomas, Kristofer Simmons and Cast – excellent tune richly sung

That Old Black Magic (1942, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from Star Spangled Rhythm movie released by Paramount) – Stephanie Herman & Eric Lindahl -nicely presented standard

Come Rain Or Come Shine (1946, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, from St. Louis Woman produced by Edward Gross at the Martin Beck Theater) – Bethany Thomas, Kristofer Simmons and Cast -this cast has soul!

Over the Rainbow (1938, lyrics by E. Y. Harburg, from The Wizard of Oz movie released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1939) – Full Cast – rich, memorable classic sung with heart

Encore – Sweet and Hot (1931, lyrics by Jack Yellen, from You Said It staged by John Harwood and produced by Lou Holtz and Jack  at Chanin’s 46th Street Theatre) – Full Cast- the joyous finale

Sweet and Hot is a fabulous songfest sing with class in the style of the era. The cast shows their love for the material and respect for the expert lyrics and the music. This review is for lovers of the song, for lovers of 40-50′s emotionally rich songs, and it is a terrific platform to introduce this generation to the genius of Tin-Pan Ally. For only $25 per ticket, you can enjoy the magnificent talents of Harold Arlen and the six Chicago performers. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre offers one of the finest revues I’ve seen in years. This is a wonderful date show – for lovers of  great music.

ABOUT HAROLD ARLEN

Harold Arlen

An American songwriting legend and son of a cantor, Harold Arlen was fascinated early in his life with the sound of ragtime. While singing in his father’s synagogue he also played ragtime piano in local Buffalo bands and accompanied silent films. After arranging for the Buffalodians, Arlen moved to New York. His jobs included arranging for Fletcher Henderson and serving as a rehearsal pianist for radio and theater. A vamp he devised while practicing was later turned into the song “Get Happy,” with lyrics from Ted Koehler.

Arlen and Koehler wrote eight revues for the Cotton Club, one of which included the anthem “Stormy Weather,” first performed by Ethel Waters. Though he moved to Hollywood in the ‘30s, Arlen kept penning songs for Broadway, working with other lyricists like Dorothy Fields, Leo Robins, Johnny Mercer, Yip Harburg, and Ira Gershwin as well as Koehler.

His list of hits and accomplishments is amazing; they include songs for the films Take a Chance, Star-Spangled Rhythm, The Sky’s the Limit, and his most famous, The Wizard of Oz. Arlen also composed tunes for the plays Earl Carroll Vanities, Rhythm Mania, and St. Louis Woman. The incredible array of unforgettable compositions includes “I’ve Got the World on a String,” “I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues,” “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” and “Over the Rainbow.”

Numerous jazz artists have recorded his songs, as well as pop performers across the spectrum. Arlen made a few recordings as a performer, among  them sessions with Duke Ellington and Barbra Streisand.

Source: Ron Wynn, All Music Guide.

Highly Recommended

Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast

For full show information, check out the Sweet and Hot page at TheatreInChicago.

Date Reviewed: June 20, 2010

Jeff Recommended

At No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood, Chicago, IL, call 773-347-1109, www.theoubique.org, Friday & Saturday at 8 pm – optional dinner at 7 pm, Sunday at 7 pm, with dinner at 6 pm, running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission, through August 15, 2010

Editor’s Note: Martha Raye and Harold Arlen sing his tunes:

Conceived and Curated by Jamik Khoury

Directed by Elizabeth Margolius

Musical Direction by Gary Powell

Produced by Silk Road Theatre Project

At the Chicago Temple Building

Silk Road cultures interplay in Broadway tunes through cabaret revue

The creative mind of Silk Road Theatre Project’s Jamil Khoury has produced a terrific new cabaret revue featuring songs from Broadway depicting the culture clash of East-West. Featuring a seven person diverse cast of Chicago talents, Silk Road Cabaret is a brilliant concept that utilizes a blend of fabulous Broadway tunes with personal anecdotes from the cast about growing up in America as first generation Silk Road folks.

The three stages on the intimate table/chair setting at the Chicago Temple brings audiences close to the cast as they weave their stories with a excellent selection of show tunes selected by Jamil Khoury. Lead by Joseph Anthony Foronda, the cast includes Christine Bunuan, Dipika Cherala, Katherine L. Condit, Erik Kaiko, Govind Kumar and David Rhee.  This group under the creative musical direction of Gary Powell and the smart direction from Elizabeth Margolius have delivered a most entertaining 80 minute cabaret revue. This refreshing show delights as it is sung marvelously as it contains an honest respect for the material.

With songs like “You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught” (South Pacific), “On A Slow Boat to China (Frank Loesser), to “Are You sure You Want to be Famous” (Bombay Dreams), to “Bali Hai” (South Pacific) and “Stranger in Paradise” (Kismet)—the revue is both playful and ironic in its depiction of Silk Road persona. Pacifi Overtures, Chess, The King and I, Zorba, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar and  Milk and Honey offer tunes that the cast sang with heart. Joseph Foronda’s slick rendition of “The American Dream” (Miss Saigon) was the highlight of the show. Each of the talent stepped up to showcase their vocal chops.

The concept works as one of the most refreshing cabaret revues I’ve seen in years. This cabaret show needs to be remounted at an established cabaret venue such as Drury Lane Water Tower since it is a new concept with terrific songs expertly sung and smartly staged. This innovative show stretches cabaret in new directions that need to be explored. Kudos to Jamil Khoury. Hurry, there are only have 6 more performances.

Highly Recommended

Tom Williams

Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast

Date Reviewed: October 25, 2009

At the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington, Chicago, IL, Call 312-857-1234, www.srtp.org, tickets $30, Wednesday thur Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 4 & 8 pm, Sunday at 4 pm, running time is 80 minutes without intermission, though November 1, 2009

Editor’s Note: To fully appreciate this revue , here is the complete song list:

Silk road cabaret:

BROADWAY SINGS THE SILK ROAD

Song List

You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught – Govind Kumar

From the musical South Pacific (1949)

Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Next – Ensemble

From the musical Pacific Overtures (1976)

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Statues and Stories – Christine Bunuan and Katherine L. Condit

From the musical The Light in the Piazza (2005)

Music and Lyrics by Adam Guettel

On a Slow Boat to China (1948) – Joseph Anthony Foronda, Erik Kaiko, Govind Kumar, and David Rhee

Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser

Are You Sure You Want to be Famous – Dipika Cherala

From the musical Bombay Dreams (2002)

Music by A R Rahman, Lyrics by Don Black

Imelda Marcos Shoes Mystique – Ensemble

From the musical Imelda (2005)

Music by Nathan Wang, Lyrics by Aaron Coleman

Bali Hai – Ensemble

From the musical South Pacific (1949)

Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Something Wonderful – Christine Bunuan

From the musical The King and I (1951)

Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Stranger in Paradise – David Rhee

From the musical Kismet (1953)

Music by Alexander Borodin, Lyrics by Robert Wright and George Forest

Be Italian – Ensemble

From the musical Nine (1982)

Music and Lyrics by Maury Yeston

Here Be Oysters – Joseph Anthony Foronda

From the musical Chu Chin Chow (1916)

Music by Frederic Norton, Lyrics by Oscar Asche

Three Little Maids – Christine Bunuan, Dipika Cherala, and Katherine L. Condit

From the musical Hot Mikado (1986)

Music adapted by Rob Bowman, Lyrics adapted by David H. Bell, based on The Mikado (1885) by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan

One Night in Bangkok – Ensemble

From the musical Chess (1986)

Music by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, Lyrics by Tim Rice

Surpanaka’s Tango – Dipika Cherala

From the musical Sita Ram (2006)

Music and Lyrics by David Kersnar and Jai Uttal

I Enjoy Being A Girl – Christine Bunuan

From the musical Flower Drum Song (1958)

Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Turn Back, O Man – Katherine L. Condit

From the musical Godspell (1971)

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Bui Doi – Erik Kaiko

From the musical Miss Saigon (1989)

Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, Lyrics by Alain Boublil and Richard Maltby, Jr.

A Step Too Far – Christine Bunuan, Dipika Cherala, and David Rhee

From the musical Aida (2000)

Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice

Not Since Ninevah – Ensemble

From the musical Kismet (1953)

Music by Alexander Borodin, Lyrics by Robert Wright and George Forest

Bring All the Boys Back Home – Erik Kaiko and Govind Kumar

From the musical Two Gentlemen of Verona (1971)

Music by Galt MacDermot, Lyrics by John Guare

Istanbul (Not Constantinople) (1953) – Ensemble

Music by Nat Simon, Lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy

Life Is – Katherine L. Condit

From the musical Zorba (1968)

Music by John Knader, Lyrics by Fred Ebb

The American Dream – Joseph Anthony Foronda

From the musical Miss Saigon (1989)

Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, Lyrics by Alain Boublil and Richard Maltby, Jr.

Could We Start Again Please – Ensemble

From the musical Jesus Christ Superstar (1971)

Music by Andrew Lloyd Weber, Lyrics by Tim Rice

Encore

Shalom – Ensemble

From the musical Milk and Honey (1961)

Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman

This review also posted on http://mytheaterclub.com/articles.php