December 05, 2003

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Palo Alto Online

Publication Date: Friday, December 05, 2003

A knock-out revue
Pear Avenue Theatre presents an evening of great music

by Jeanie Forte

So you're still looking for holiday entertainment that isn't an old chestnut? Here's a winner: The Pear Avenue Theatre is presenting a wonderful, heart-warming revue for the holidays: "And the World Goes 'Round," a compilation of songs from John Kander and Fred Ebb, who have been writing music together since the 1960s (they are now the longest-lived song-writing team in Broadway history).

Revues can be tricky -- they require great singers who are also actors, to bring music alive that is taken out of its original context. Happily, the Pear's production delivers, with a first-rate cast of superbly talented actor-singers, and a lively staging that keeps the interest from start to finish.

Surely everyone out there has heard of Kander and Ebb, now that "Chicago" is a movie mega-hit. And surely no one can resist toe-tapping when "All That Jazz" starts up. Certainly not I... but then, I've always liked Kander and Ebb songs, which first hit my consciousness with the remarkable "Cabaret," and drew me in even more with the long, drawn-out affair of "New York, New York" -- admittedly not a great movie, but one riddled with fabulous music. Other shows they've scored include "70, Girls, 70," "The Rink," "Woman of the Year," "Funny Lady" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman."

The revue is nicely arranged, knitting together all of the big favorites, such as those from "Cabaret" and "Chicago," as well as lesser-known songs, ones you might have forgotten about, and ones you didn't realize they had written. The span of decades in their music is quite amazing. The mix includes heartfelt ballads such as "Maybe This Time," and "And the World Goes Round" -- and quirky, funny songs, such as "Sara Lee" and "Arthur"; the songs about love -- "Sometimes a Day Goes By" -- and the songs about life's choices -- "Yes," and "Marry Me," and "A Quiet Thing"; and much more. The balance is good between somber and light-hearted moments, between the familiar hits and the surprises.

Equally well put together is the cast of this show -- strong voices, excellent actors -- not a weak link in the group. Director Diane Milo is a veteran vocal performer whose experience doing the show before clearly put her in a good position to stage this production for the Pear. An engaging soprano herself, Milo has assembled a fine group to join her, and the pay-off is a thoroughly satisfying evening of entertainment. Stephanie Prentice, who opens the show with the title song, has a warm, smoky sound that richly complements the material. Kereli Jones, the third woman of the group, delivers a solid version of "All That Jazz" -- not an easy feat with images of Catherine Zeta-Jones swirling in our heads. But Kereli's winning smile and knockout voice bring it home.

David Curley shows terrific versatility, from the quiet tenderness of "I Don't Remember You" to the bold belting of "Kiss of the Spider Woman." He's the good-looking heartthrob from "Bat Boy," revealing here more depth and capability. Will Perez is a relative newcomer, but hopefully we'll see more of him -- possessor of a soft, touching voice, and delightfully expressive demeanor. He's the best Santa's elf I've seen this season.

There are two "swing" performers -- Molly Carter and David Miailovich -- who fill in on certain shows, whom I didn't get to hear -- but I can't imagine they would be any less wonderful, considering the consistency of the talent I saw and heard. When the five performers are singing together, the vocal blend is so good, you would think they had been working as a quintet for years -- the jazzed-up version of "Cabaret" rivaled Manhattan Transfer in its harmonic precision.

A few minor quibbles: I didn't care for the red set; something simpler, more classic, might have suited better. While most of the costumes were sophisticated and appropriate, I would make a different choice for Prentice in the final section. And the lighting is strangely off -- actors are lit in weird colors, or semi-darkness, and the timing seemed amiss. Occasionally the keyboard threatens to overpower the voices. But none of this detracts from the overall enjoyment of the show. Would that all the technical elements were as satisfying as the performance itself.

Take your out-of-town friends and family to this one -- if you're a lover of Broadway music, you're more than likely to love this show -- it's a terrific smiler, a great combination of excellent performers and humming-good music. And nary a chestnut in sight. <@endbullet>

What: The Pear Avenue Theatre presents "The World Goes 'Round," a musical revue that celebrates the work of John Kander and Fred Ebb

Where: Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave. in Mountain View

When: Show times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. (except Friday, Dec. 12, at 8:30 p.m.) Sunday performances will take place on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. The show will run through Dec. 14.

Cost: Tickets for Friday and Saturday shows are $20/$15; $15/$10 for Thursday and Sunday shows. To purchase tickets by credit card online visit www.thepear.org.

Info: Please call (650) 254-1148 or visit www.thepear.org

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