Allegro at Astoria Performing Arts Center

[daredevil]

Posted: 5/14/14 at 12:03pm

Saw this production last Friday---it has been extended for another week through May 24. I was truly bowled over by it. How great to see and hear the musical in an intimate space, where no lyric is lost, and one can get the full feel of the remarkable music and lyrics.
Allegro is not one of R and H's "great" musicals, but by today's standards, the music is fascinating. This is a terrific production with strong leads and a great ensemble.
What particularly impressed me was how the director's vision embraced the ethos of post world war II America-so the idea of a woman serving only as her husband's protector and provider of warmth, an idea that could easily be belittled at this point in time, seems totally believable in the context of the way the musical is staged. Astoria is a fascinating part of the city with interesting architecture and many shops and coffee places. I would recommend a visit to Allegro wholeheartedly for any person really interested in musical theater's heritage.

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 5/15/14 at 2:57pm

Is this a revised version because the wife in Allegro, Jennie, is conniving, manipulative and self-absorbed. Hardly what you describe.

[daredevil]

Posted: 5/16/14 at 11:52am

I get you point, with the character of Jennie though I don't know if I see her in as ruthless a light as you do. For the "ethos" aspect, I was thinking more of the song, A Fellow Needs a Girl, which Joe's father sings to his wife. Anyway, it is a terrific production.

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 5/18/14 at 12:54pm

Oh, you were talking about Marjorie. Now I understand and completely agree.