Publication: Talkin’ Broadway
Posting Date: September 21, 2009
Title: Outstanding Dancing in Diablo Theatre Production of On the Town

Read the full review on Talkin Broadway

 

By Richard Connema The Diablo Theatre under the direction of Mindy Cooper, who also choreographed, is presenting On the Town, a herculean piece of musical theatre, through September 27th. This is a very pleasurable evening of the classic Bernstein, and Comden & Green work with the terrific dancing company of Company C Contemporary Ballet Company. On the Town and myself go all the way back to December 1945. I had just returned from the Pacific Theatre and was again stationed at Fort Dix in New Jersey. My buddy suggested we go into Manhattan for the weekend to see a new musical by Leonard Bernstein. We checked at the USO on Time Square and they gave us free seats in the orchestra section of the 44th Street Theatre. After I saw the show starring Nancy Walker, Camden and Green and Sono Osato, I fell in love with musical theatre. Comden and Green's book is a series of New York scenes that follow the labors of a trio of sailors (Bryan McElroy, Ryan Drummond, Mark Farrell) to find the mysterious Miss Turnstiles, aka Ivy Smith (Courtney Iventosch). Her photograph on a subway poster has captured the heart of Gabey (Bryan McElroy) and the trio must find her during their 24-hour shore leave. It's an innocent fantasy that was popular with American musical theatre audiences of the 1940s. On the Town's songs remain fresh and perky, like "New York, New York," "I Can Cook Too" and "Carried Away." The romantic ballads such as "Lonely Town" and "Lucky to Be Me" are performed with a strong voice by Bryan McElroy (the Chicago company of Jersey Boys and Thoroughly Modern Millie tour). His portrayal of lovesick Gabey is very convincing. Ryan Drummond (Diablo Theatre The Producers and The Wedding Singer at Willows) as the skirt-chasing Ozzie gives an engaging performance. Mark Farrell (three SFBATCC awards) wonderfully plays Chip, the naïve sailor from Peoria. Courtney Iventosch (Cabaret) is enchanting as Ivy Smith while Emma Goldin (Into the Woods) scores nicely as the man-hungry anthropologist Claire de Loone. Laurie Strawn (My Fair Lady) as the soused diva and voice teacher is hilarious, especially when trying to sing an opera aria. Hope Mirlis (Oklahoma Nest at UC Davis) as the taxi-driving, man-hungry tornado Hildy gives a spirited performance. She belts out "I Can Cook Too" and "Come Up to My Place." Her comic delivery is broad and mischievously brassy. Outstanding among the supporting players are Paul C. Plain as Pitkin W. Bridgework, with a great rendition of "I Understand," and Barbara Pond as Lucy Schmeeler who suffers from a "head cold." Rena Wilson, with a voice straight out of Guys and Dolls, is excellent as Flossie, and Robbie Cowan of 42nd Street Moon shows off his powerhouse voice in several numbers. Director Mindy Cooper has choreographed impressive dances for the Company C Contemporary Ballet Company. The dream sequence "Imaginary Coney Island" ballet is beautifully danced by this core. The orchestra under the direction of Cheryl Yee Glass is very good, especially in the dance sequences. Sets by Robert Broadfoot have a '40s quality about them. Kurt Landisman's lighting is effective also. On the Town plays through September 27th at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. For tickets call 925-943-7469 or visit www.leasherartscenter.org.