BWW Reviews: Taking a Moment to Go CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN at Winter Park Playhouse
It's got rhythm; It's got music; Who could ask for anything more? This production is complete with toe-tapping dance routines and memorable hit songs. Gershwin fans rejoice as the Winter Park Playhouse pays tribute to all the great songs written by George and Ira Gershwin in CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN.
Set as a collection of songs, CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN is like a stroll down memory lane dotted with some facts about the pair's career. With composing careers spanning 13 years together, George and Ira composed masterpieces for theater and film during the height of America's jazz age. Even today, the Gershwin influence on music and musical theater is present. While you may not know the song titles, you'll instantly recognize the most famous melodies like "I Got Rhythm," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," "Someone to Watch Over Me," and many more.
The three men and three women ensemble flex their singing and dancing muscles throughout the show. The group has great chemistry and voices that fit well with the songs they sing. Their tap/jazz routines are well choreographed and revive an era of America's most classical stage and early cinema performers. Standout solo performances include Roy Alan's "They Can't That Away From Me," as he channels his inner Frank Sinatra; Kasey Sollenberger in "The Saga of Jenny," as the cute, indecisive bad girl; and Natalie Cordone's "Little Jazz Bird," which was both vocally fabulous and fun to watch. Kudos to Winter Park Playhouse for choosing a live band, which perfectly complemented the performer's voices. The intimate theater is extremely comfortable and every seat is a great seat. The audio system balances the live band and singers, so neither is overpowering.
CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN is a great homage to a time long past, but well remembered by Winter Park residents. The songs and performances crosses generations, making the Gershwin's music timeless. This collection illustrates the span and influence to American music that will never be replicated.
Directed and choreographed by Rob Winn Anderson and under the Musical Direction of Chris Leavy, CRAZY FOR GERSHWIN stars Roy Alan, Natalie Cordone, Shawn Kilgore, Kasey Sollenberger, Victor Souffrant, and Kate Zaloumes. It runs at the Winter Park Playhouse now - November 24, & and December 5 -14th. For tickets and more information visit www.winterparkplayhouse.org or call 407-645-0145.
Photo Credit: Winter Park Playhouse
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