Broadway By The Year 1929 Reviews

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 11:57am

wolfentertainmentguide is the 1st review I've seen. Below is a link and a brief excerpt:

"I don’t want to sound like a publicist for the series, but it is easy to run out of superlatives, given the high level of performing by the assembly of singers enlisted for every production. The 1929 bash was among the best, with an exciting array of stars...

There was more, much more, and the whole production, under the direction of Gabriel Barre, had a perky atmosphere, with the cast members interacting smoothly and giving the impression that they were having as good a time as the audience. Scott Siegel’s clever, informative introductions included such tidbits as informing us that the average life expectancy was only 51.4 in 1929, a year in which penicillin was invented."

Milla
THE BROADWAY MUSICALS OF 1929 Updated On: 3/9/05 at 11:57 AM

[do_re_milla]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 12:58pm

Here's a brief excerpt:

"A look around the sold-out house, confirmed the introductory comment about the invention of penicillin being a good thing, since many people there were were apparently born in or close to 1929. Kellog's introduction of Rice Krispies was reflected in the evening's snap, crackle and pop performances by Leslie Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Christine Andreas, Bryan Batt, Ron Bohmer, Mary Bond Davis, Jeffrey Denman, Noah Racey and Emily Skinner. Given the composers and lyricists with shows on Broadway (Noel Coward Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, George and Ira Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II, and more), there were plenty of great selections to choose from -- including many still instantly recognizable standards like "Button Up Your Overcoat," "More Than You Know," "Without a Song," "With a Song In My Heart" and "What is this Thing Called Love?"

To borrow a line from one of the many smart lyrics Gabriel Barre's direction gave the evening a "smooth as satin" polish. Unlike so many current Broadway shows, every one of those lyrics could be heard clearly (including the as usual thrillingly "unplugged" numbers that are a BWBY hallmark). Good as all the previous evenings in this series were, this one seemed an especially perfect blend of ballads and comic numbers to show off these splendid singers' acting chops.

The fact most of the cast members are BBTY veterans has brought an ensemble cohesiveness that belies the short rehearsal time. The duets, trios and company number are enhanced by the sense that these performers are all having a good time and enjoy working together. The show's own Fred Astaire, Noah Racey, continues to charm with his dandy choreography -- someone out there should be writing a musical for him and the adorable and super-talented Nancy Anderson. Throw in parts for Bryan Batt and Emily Skinner -- and for that matter everyone else making 1929 the best ever BBTY -- and it would be a sure-fire winner."

Couldn't agree more!

Milla
BBTY

[ShowLover]

Posted: 3/9/05 at 1:09pm

Thanks for sharing the reviews! I also agree that it was a great evening and am very much looking forward to the next one. I wish the engagements were more than one night -- you know, like Encores or something. I'd go two nights in a row.