Publication Date: Friday, May 27, 2005
The music men
The music men
(May 27, 2005) Bus Barn honors the team behind 'Cabaret' and 'Chicago'
by Jeanie Forte
The team of John Kander and Fred Ebb already ranks among the great teams of American musical theater, like Lerner and Loewe or Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Creators of the hugely successful musicals "Cabaret" and "Chicago," as well as the movie musical "New York, New York", the duo has won over the hearts of countless fans who can't get enough of Ebb's literate lyrics and Kander's show-stopping melodies.
"And the World Goes 'Round" is a popular revue comprised of their songs -- both the famous and the not-so famous -- arranged for theatricality by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman and David Thompson, who are all Broadway notables in their own right. The latest incarnation is currently playing at the Bus Barn Stage Company in Los Altos, with a talented ensemble of three women and two men.
It's great to have any excuse to hear Kander and Ebb's wonderful music, and when it's performed well, even better. Bus Barn's actor-singers are quite capable and give the music a lively delivery.
I especially enjoyed seeing Jacqueline McSwanson again, remembering her lovely nuanced voice from "Are We Almost There?" Thankfully she now has better material to match her vocal talents. Her rendition of the opening title number is both strong and poignant, and her "Ring Them Bells" is a rousing start for Act Two.
Each member of the ensemble sings solos that match their vocal styles and character type. Perky Jennifer Oku gives sweet, touching deliveries of ballads, such as the well-known "My Coloring Book" and "The Quiet Thing." She also shines in "All That Jazz," showing her musical theater mettle.
Veteran performer Linda Piccone has terrific vocal chops and comic skills, brought out nicely in such numbers as "Arthur in the Afternoon." Her ballads were oddly emotionally flat, however, rushed and without rubato. Piccone is an accomplished actress, and I would have liked to see her really work these numbers to bring out the depth of feeling in them. But the wonderful duet "The Grass is Always Greener" is killer in the adept combination of Piccone and McSwanson -- what a hoot!
Paul Araquistain brings a gentle stage presence and a pure tone to classic numbers such as "Mr. Cellophane" and the bittersweet "Sometimes a Day Goes By." While his acting and vocals in "Marry Me" are fine, the pairing of him with Oku doesn't seem to work.
Martin Rojas-Dietrich is a formidable voice and a great character type, whose rendition of "Kiss of the Spider Woman" is one of the show's highlights. However, his fortissimo at times is too much for the space, and sometimes his pianissimo drops too abruptly, making it difficult to understand the lyrics.
Hearing and understanding was a persistent problem throughout the show because the combo was too loud. The electronic keyboard and xylophone were out of balance with the un-amplified voices on stage, and too often performers were drowned out by the pit orchestra. It was frustrating to want to hear Ebb's witty, sophisticated lyrics, only to have to strain to hear them over the band.
Ron Gasparinetti's set is clever and evocative, but I didn't care for the strange color combination. The backdrop, for example, was a light rose pink, with large windowpanes crisscrossing it in black -- aaaarrrgh!!! I suspect they may have used paint colors that were sitting around.
Lighting was apparently still in flux the night I was there and sometimes seemed unaccountably dim on the performers. Costume choices were occasionally odd or unflattering, yet seemed more appropriate and attractive during the second half.
Shannon Stowe's choreography was simple, fun and well-suited to each number. And the carousel fan of baby buggies on "Me and My Baby" provided a huge laugh.
Thank goodness the dedicated and energetic ensemble all have big voices and great spirit. They rise above any technical difficulties to deliver a satisfying show for Kander and Ebb lovers. Their collective talent makes the show and pays effective tribute to these songwriting giants. And the music stays with you long after, in all its toe-tapping, touching, haunting and hilarious glory.
What: "The World Goes 'Round," featuring music by John Kander and Fred Ebb.
Where: Bus Barn Theatre, 97 Hillview Ave. in Los Altos
When: Through June 18. Regular show times are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday, June 5 at 3 p.m. and Sunday June 12 at 7 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $28 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows; $22 for Sundays.
Info: Please call (650) 941-0551 or visit www.busbarn.org.
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