59th Street Bridge

Though it begins and ends with “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at Florida Studio Theatre’s Goldstein Cabaret, the revue’s title refers to a different hit from the 1960s into the early ‘70s. The song’s by Simon and Garfunkel and best known as “Feelin’ Groovy.” Ittypifies the revue’s celebration of newfound folk-rock songs which became classics still enjoyed.

At FST, much of the typical audience on opening night particularly enjoyed “The Times They are a Changing” and “Mrs. Robinson” (the latter from “The Graduate”) done by the full quartet of onstage artists. Considering the script is minimal, Director Catherine Randazzo rightly concentrates on having them just deliver lyrics on downstage microphones. None are over-amplified as has been a typical case at Goldstein Cabaret.

Joe Casey does a fine job usually introducing the songs as well as often strumming them. Brian Ott, at the opposite end of the stage, uses both guitar and banjo well. Guitarist Michael Jayne Walker, central, also does a smooth job on one keyboard special. Calli McRae plays piano beautifully but lacks vocally when at her  instrument but is better briefly at a center song.

Among the favorite songs are “I Feel the Earth Move,” a glorious “Mercedes Benz,” “Both Sides Now,” and “Annie’s Song.” A full range of composers and lyricists represented includes John Denver,  Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez. Music is well arranged.

Andrew Gray’s changing background of colors and lights, often not only illuminated by but surrounded by twinkling ones, is beautifully executed to make the stage seem bigger and more exciting. Costumes rightly consist of jeans-type trousers, shirts, and beige vests, except for the pianist’s colorful matched shirt and pants. Costumer Chelsea Allen has also provided interesting headbands, caps, and scarf-ties.

“59th Street Street Bridge” fits FST’s seasonal series of Cabaret musicals of music that has been popular in the past and is still enjoyable.