Seattle Review: Wonderful Town

In Seattle, Golden Age classics tend to be performed with an annoying wink in the eye that is more parody than tribute. Great musical theatre happens when one completely commits to what they are doing. 5^th Avenue Theatre's sparkling new Wonderful/> Town/>/> has what it takes to make these outings bearable. This spectacular production reminds us why we love musicals so much.

Set in New York City/> in 1935 (and based on the memoir My Sister Eileen), Wonderful/> Town/> captures the heartbeat and pulse of Greenwich Village/>'s artistic heyday. Full of painters, poets, and the like, we are introduced to a bevy of colorful personalities struggling to get noticed. Fresh off the bus from Ohio/>/>, Ruth and Eileen Sherwood embark on a series of madcap adventures in search of fame, fortune, and true love. With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, this delightful musical comedy is a finely crafted masterpiece.

While the drastically scaled down 2004 revival put most of its focus on the score (complete with an onstage orchestra), 5^th Avenue has given us the whole glossy package. Fierce showstoppers, a gigantic chorus, and monstrous set pieces make this Wonderful/> Town/>/> even more wonderful than the somewhat overrated Broadway mounting. That production relied on a sensational leading performance and the killer score. This one gets the job done in every department.

With brisk direction by Bill Berry and always appropriate choreography by Jamie Rocco, this tribute to NYC's heyday is full of jaw dropping showstoppers. They open big with the lively "Christopher Street" which introduces us to everyone we need to know while giving texture and life to this famous block. The highlight of the evening comes in the raucous "Conga" where Ruth attempts to interview a boatload of lusty sailors intent on learning the latest dance craze. This production masters every tricky musical style that Bernstein has thrown at them. The stage explodes with warmth and magic throughout. Joel Fram keeps things on the up and up with confident musical direction aided by a big, brassy orchestra.

The cast is uniformly strong. There isn't a weak link in this fine company that sings, dances, and acts the hell out of this irresistible classic. To be honest, Seattle/>/> musical comedy often tends to verge on the amateur. This Wonderful/> Town/>/> is the most professional local production of a musical since Village Theatre's remarkable Man of La Mancha.

As Ruth, Sarah Rudinoff gives a versatile performance full of the humor, charm, and power needed for this mammoth assignment. In a role that can be played so many ways, Rudinoff chooses to make her Ruth a doormat struggling to escape the shadow of her sister. With the dry wit of Rosalind Russell and the off-beat quirkiness of Donna Murphy, she conquers each number with a great voice and fierce tenacity. Her ""One Hundred Easy Ways" (where Ruth instructs us on how to loose a man) brings down the house. Rudinoff is nothing short of magnificent.

Though she lacks the effortless soprano provided by the Eileen of Audra McDonald, Billie Wildrick manages to put her own stamp on a deceptively difficult role. Her soprano belt (similar to the great Debbie Gravitte) gets the job done in the tricky "A Little Bit in Love". She provides a finely crafted performance that is equal parts sweet and sassy. Wildrick is also able to negotiate Eileen's nearly impossible coloratura in "Conversation Piece". Rudinoff and Wildrick put great effort into fleshing out the relationship between Ruth and Eileen. These fine actors give history and substance to the unique bond between the Sherwood sisters. Their voices blend well to create a touching "Ohio/>/>".

The solid supporting cast adds texture and depth to parts that could easily be played as cardboard caricatures. Timothy Piggee is appropriately charming as Ruth's unlikely suitor Robert Baker. He gives a sweetly sung reading of the tricky "A Quiet Girl", and brings a potent vulnerability to his newspaper man. Brandon O'Neill is a goofy delight as the IQ challenged football hero Wreck. His strong "Pass the Football" easily avoids becoming the dim throwaway number of the show. In non-singing roles, David Pichette, Carol Swarbrick, Jim Gall, Nicole Boote, and Bhama Roget provide great support throughout. It is so refreshing to see such solid actors commit themselves to the goofy situations.

Tom Sturge's stunning set design utilizes the artistic influences of the era to create a brightly charming New York City/>/>. The abstract pieces instantly transport us to the various locals, never taking focus away from the action. He has coupled his scenic masterpiece with a mood enhancing lighting design. Lynda L. Salsbury's imaginative costumes impress throughout.

In a town that is hit or miss when it comes to musicals, this Wonderful/> Town/>/> gives one great hope for the future. 5^th Avenue Theatre has provided the best musical comedy in Seattle/>/> in ages. Hopefully this exquisite production will pave the way for future local success in this difficult but rewarding genre. Great plays have always frequented Seattle/>/>. Now we have a blockbuster musical.

Wonderful/> Town/>/> runs through April 9^th. For tickets call (206) 292-ARTS or visit www.5thAvenueTheatre.org

Photos by Chris Bennion

Top: The company of Wonderful Town in "Christopher Street"

Bottom: Sarah Rudinoff as Ruth and Billie Wildrick as Eileen

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