Isherwood reviews 'Face the Music'
Isherwood reviews 'Face the Music'
#1Isherwood reviews 'Face the Music'
Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:13pm
"Diamonds may be forever, but a big bucket of rhinestones can spread a lot of glitter if you know what to do with ’em. The 1932 show “Face the Music,” with a sunny score by Irving Berlin and a gag- ridden circus of a book by Moss Hart, certainly isn’t an enduring masterwork of the American musical theater. A full Broadway revival has never been attempted. But as the zippy Encores! concert staging of this forgotten bauble amply demonstrates, it must have shown audiences a fine time during the dark days of the Depression. And it is still quite capable of lifting the heart and setting the belly laughing with some regularity....."
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#2re: Isherwood reviews 'Face the Music'
Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:21pm
I just got back from today's matinee. It's wonderful.
Full review here
#2re: Isherwood reviews 'Face the Music'
Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:32pm
I couldn't agree more. I was surprised how many of the jokes got laughs and how many references I got. With the exception of the final scene the show was great. Silly, escapist fun....and just the kind of show Encores! should do more often.
Updated On: 3/31/07 at 05:32 PM
#3re: Isherwood reviews 'Face the Music'
Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:37pmKaye's joke about the grotto was priceless.
#4re: Isherwood reviews 'Face the Music'
Posted: 3/31/07 at 5:44pm
It got the biggest laugh from the audience when I attended last night. My favorite parts of the show were the not-so-subtle sarcastic refrences to the government. Something about the president suggeting a depression parade to lift people's spirits, ("TWo Cheers Instead of Three") and the song "A Toast to Prohibition."
Updated On: 3/31/07 at 05:44 PM
IssaMe
Broadway Star Joined: 5/15/03
#5re: Isherwood reviews 'Face the Music'
Posted: 4/1/07 at 1:44pm
It's a terrific show. Irving Berlin's two daughters attended (including the dress rehearsal). Kitty Carlisle (Hart) who is always seen out and about in all her glory is bedded down with pneumonia so may not get to see one of her husband Moss's wittiest shows... revived by Encores! for the first time since 1932.
Not having attended the seminar on Saturday afternoon, have no idea who was represented there to talk about the show and its creation.
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