Coming Aphrodite!, a musical adaptation of Willa Cather's novella, written and directed by Mary Fulham, with music by Mark Ettinger and lyrics by Paul Foglino, is a charming musical about a handsome young artist (Greg Henits), his neighbor, an aspiring actress/dancer (Liz Kimball), his dog (Clayton Dean Smith), and a landlady (Anne Gaynor- a terrific singer who also plays a sexy performer).
This is an engaging, high-level show in all aspects, with sweet, enjoyable songs, marvelous projections, art work and puppetry (by Spica Wobbe), terrific costumes, including a fabulous fat suit (by Ramona Ponce), and four accomplished performers. To see the supple, graceful Kimball stretch, nude, as a shadow behind a screen, made my week (choreography by Heidi Latsky). Smith gives good dog. His personification of the pooch is inventive, subtle, tasteful.
It is all imaginatively directed by Fulham, on a good stylized set by Jim Boutin with fine lighting by Alex Bartenieff. This lovely little show deserves a big hug and a long New York run.
