What could have turned into a logistical nightmare - culling just the right songs out of 1500 devoted to or mentioning New York City - has become a dream for those who love that "Wonderful Town." Of course that song's included in this revue centered on the area extolled in another hit tune: "Manhattan." Two vibrant couples trip the light fantastic not only on the "Sidewalks of New York" but also in "The Bowery," on "42nd Street," right on through "East Side, West Side."
They conduct a tour of the city (points throughout the theater) from "Wall Street" to "Spanish Harlem" to "Chinatown" and many a sight (like an "Uptown Girl" and a "Second Hand Rose") and a site (even a Park Avenue suitable for slummin'). In solos, duos and all together - sometimes joined by Michael Bajjaly, who's mainly a narrator - the performers give their all, whether in "New York on Sunday" or enjoying "Autumn in New York." Tenor Berry Ayers teams with glossy Catherine Randazzo, an Apple favorite whose dancing dazzles more than usually. Roy Johns high steps smoothly and sings just as well with sweet, petite Forrest Richards. They all work together dynamically in the bigger production numbers, such as in a set giving their regards to Broadway musicals. Bajally seems mostly to enjoy talking about New York, whether backed by visuals or simply described in an essay by E.B. White.
No reason why the tech director and lighting designer get such short shrift in the stagebill. With many bright lights, big and traveling spots, a mirrored ball in a dance hall, an outlined proscenium, and a screen showing appropriate slides and film clips, it is a pleasure to let these designers bow here. Oddly, the small but fine musical group seems more present behind a screen in the opening section than in view later but behind cutouts of skyscrapers. (These actually serve to obscure the pianist.)
Director Robert Ennis Turoff has obviously put his heart into the production, and his performers have caught that love for the songs, dances, and "New York, New York." At times, so much devotion seemed to threaten to become everlasting, but if cuts are made in the future, they should probably be from the script.
