Song and Dance Struggles at Deaf West

Andrew Lloyd Webber, in his quest to become arguably one of the most prolific modern musical theatre composers, produced his fair share of absolute tragedies, including the extremely disjointed Song and Dance, which originally ran in London under the title Tell Me On a Sunday, both to critical brow beatings.  Reworked before transferring to Broadway, Song and Dance was spruced up lyrically by Richard Maltby Jr., and aside from a few interesting musical numbers, the show remained rather weak.

The tumultuous path of Tell Me On a Sunday met a slight overhaul in 2003 when the musical, which had placed a ballet at the second act following a solo musical revue of sorts in the first, flipped to a one-act format.  In its latest incarnation, Song and Dance, Tell Me On a Sunday has intertwined the ballet portions and musical numbers into a standard two acts, starring Cindy Robinson at the Deaf West Theatre in North Hollywood, presented by The Quest Theatre Company.

Under the artistic direction of Jim Alexander, Song and Dance still struggles to find its place in the pantheon of Webber musicals, never quiet connecting with any heartfelt emotions at the hand of the solo singing character of Emma, a British transplant floundering for love in New York City.  Following her travails of lost love in both New York and Los Angeles, her trysts are anything but sympathetic.  Jumping from one man to another, Emma constantly writes, via email, to her mother of new love on the horizon. 

Perhaps the dreariest song in the show comes in the form of a failed comic attempt, "Capped Teeth and Caesar Salad," which sounds awfully tired, especially when presented in the backyard of the mocked city, Beverly Hills. 

Robinson is the only saving grace in this production, though, at no fault of her own, struggles to bring any semblance of depth to the character.  Her raw emotional vocals elevate the role beyond what is written, with lyrics by Don Black, yet her interaction with her dancing partner, Enrique Brown, appears disparaging.  It is a welcome change to see the dancing and singing intermingling in this latest production, but the choreography (Brown) does nothing to resuscitate the flat-line premise.

With her sprite-like figure and quirky personality, Robinson is suited for much better works, and it is a hope that she finds a more suitable show to tackle next.  As for Song and Dance, this should remain in the Webber vaults, not to be given a reprise anytime soon. 

Dan Redfeld provides musical direction, with lighting by Samantha Hartzell.  Performances run through April 1 at the Deaf West Theatre.  Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the box-office, located at 5112 Lankershim Blvd in North Hollywood or by calling 800-838-3006.
 

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