BWW Reviews: Theater Works Scores Hugely with I GET A KICK OUT OF COLE

Bravi! Bravi! Bravi! To the five women ~ Kathleen Berger, Brenda Goodenberger, Marie Gouba, Alanna Kalbfleisch, Alexandra Utpadel ~ and four men ~ Tony Blosser, Ken Goodenberger, Roger Nelson, Dominik Rebilas ~ who grace the Theater Works stage in the 29th Season opening production of I Get a Kick Out of Cole.

Bravo to Steve Hilderbrand who conceived, arranged, staged, and choreographed this magical gem of a tribute to the life and works of one of America's most prolific composers, Cole Porter.

Backed by a sterling three-piece band (Hilderbrand on the piano, Alberto Allende on string bass, and Van Katz on drums) in an art deco cabaret-style setting with twin staircases, and suited up in tuxes and lavish gowns meticulously designed by Tamara Treat, the ensemble serves a cornucopia of delicious and nuanced interpretations of Porter's distinctive oeuvre. Smooth and sleek, elegant and sexy, rich and mellifluous, silvery and honeyed ~ in solos and duets and together, this powerhouse of talent delivers both the full range of Porter's genius and an intriguing narrative of his loves, laughs, and losses. And, after 46 songs ~ some, the most treasured in the American songbook ~ one can only sit in awe of the talent on stage and the inspiration that brought them together.

I Get a Kick Out of Cole is a must-see show. It continues at Theater Works through September 28th.

Photo credit to Theater Works and Skye Fallon

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