THE BASICS: MusicalFare has kicked off its 2022-23 season with a featherweight version of a typical 30’s style musical comedy. The book, by Joe DiPietro, hearkens back to the days of Guy Bolton and P G Wodehouse, and is actually the reworking of an old Gershwin show, Oh Kay! There’s plenty of silliness in this chorines-and-gangsters tale, woven together with a peppy, recycled Gershwin Brothers score. Chris Kelly directs an all star cast of sixteen. NICE WORK plays weekends through October 9th. The show, with its single intermission, runs approximately two and ¼ hours.
THUMBNAIL SKETCH, ETC: This is a typical “boy-meets-girl” show, where the Boy—Marc Sacco, and the Girl—Renee Landrigan, meet cute, and face a number of silly romantic problems on their way to the obligatory happy ending. A number of strong secondary characters, involved in a major smuggling operation, provide additional comic support. Bobby Cooke and John Kaczorowski are particular stand-outs. Although some of the comedic business can be tedious, Sacco and Landrigan have a very nice way about them, a rapport that elevates NICE WORK to a higher level.
I particularly enjoyed the various tap numbers, although, truth to tell, there are way too many reprises in this music-heavy show (would you believe seven?) The Deco Set, lighting and projection are by Chris Cavanaugh—including charming, movie style opening credits. Music direction is by Christina Quinn, who gets just the right sound out of her ensemble of five. The Gershwin songs are a curious mixture, including both indelible classics and some other, all but unknown tunes. Provided you can stand a fair amount of silliness, there is a lot you can enjoy in NICE WORK.
*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)
ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.
TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.
THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.
FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.
FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!