BWW Reviews: NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT at the Gateway
It is truly a pleasure seeing Nice Work If You Can Get It at Bellport's Gateway Theatre. It has a zany and charming story, a beautiful Gershwin score, and the theatre is absolutely stunning. Most importantly, however, the cast is super-beyond talented. After all, many of them come from Broadway.
Running through June 27th at the Long Island venue, the tale, by Joe Dipietro, centers on Jimmy Winter (Joey Sorge) and Billie Bendix (Amanda Lea LaVergne) who are from very different worlds. Jimmy, Matthew Broderick's role from the 2012 Broadway production, is a millionaire playboy while Billie, Kelli O'Hara's role from the Broadway production, is a bootlegger. In an effort to hide her stash, she uses Jimmy's basement to store the stolen goods. As predicted, they fall for each other, but not without some crazy twists and screwy characters along the way.
Ms. LaVergne (Broadway: Annie, Grease) and Mr. Sorge (Broadway: Nice Work If You Can Get It, How To Succeed..., et. al.) were both top notch in their respective roles. Great chemistry makes them a believable couple... always bickering, yet caring toward one another.
Also part of the stellar cast is the hilarious Sally Struthers who is portraying fervent prohibitionist Duchess Estonia Dulworth. Ms. Struthers is absolutely thrilling in the role particularly in the hilarious luncheon scene of act two. The Duchess, unbeknownst to her, is given alcohol and let's just say makes a very funny drunk. This culminates with an extended applause from the enthusiastic audience.Everyone in the cast is truly remarkable. They sing the Gershwin score with vivacity that includes classics like "'S Wonderful" and "Let's Call The Whole This Off". Additionally, Peggy Hickey's chorography is fun and energetic and Martin Pakledinaz's costumes seem fitting for the late 1920's time period. And, of course, it is always delightful to see a terrific live band lead by Musical Director Charlie Reuter.
And so, Nice Work If You Can Get It is indeed another hit for the fabulous Gateway Theatre. It's fun, zany, full of laughs; everything a show should have. This is certainly a production not to be missed.
Nice Work If You Can Get It is presented by the Gateway Theatre of Bellport, Long Island, through June 27th. Music & Lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin, Book by Joe Dipietro, Inspired by material from Guy Bolton & P.G. Wodehouse, Directed by Larry Raben, Choreography by Peggy Hickey, Production Management by Brian Loesch, Casting by Michael Baker, Scenic Design by Shoko Kambara, Company Management by Bethany Sortman, Lighting Design by Marcia Madeira, Preduction Stage Management by John Pollard, Costume Design by Martin Pakledinaz, Musical Direction by Charlie Reuter, Associate Choreographer is Matthew Vargo.
Photos by Jeff Bellante. Photo #1 Amanda Lea Lavergne and Joey Sorge. Photo #2 Sally Struthers as Duchess Estonia Dulworth
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