‘The World Goes ‘Round’ from ‘Chicago’ to ‘New York, New York’
Reviewed by Barbara Clark
DENNIS – Had a trying week?
Eventide Theatre Company’s answer is “The World Goes ‘Round,” a magical 90-minute tour of top musical numbers from the songbook of John Kander and Fred Ebb, whose numerous gifts to theater audiences over the years have included shows such as “Cabaret,” Chicago,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” Funny Lady” and “New York, New York.” This celebratory roundup of some of the duo’s best-loved songs. “The World Goes ‘Round,” was performed off-Broadway for 408 performances after its 1991 opening. Here at Eventide, a variety of exciting musical numbers from the creative Kander-Ebb duo are delivered in a variety of scenes by six of Cape Cod’s top theater talents.
The show: “The World Goes ‘Round”; music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb. Conceived by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman, David Thompson. Directed at Eventide by Donna Wresinski; musical direction by Pam Wannie; choreography by Teri Shea.
“The World Goes Round,” on the Eventide stage, celebrates the brilliant musicianship of Kander and Ebb, performed by a superb group of local professionals: Holly Hansen, Zack Johnson, Kathleen Larson Day, Madison Mayer, Rebecca Riley and Lynne Ruberti Johnson. They’re backed with more fine musicianship by Misao Koyama on piano, Michael Dunford on percussion and Rich Hill, bass.
Why you should see ‘The World Goes ‘Round’ at Eventide in Dennis
Not over the moon for musical “revues”? This is not your grandmother’s version of a “revue” or tribute “collection.” Audiences can look forward to a fast-moving, diverse and extraordinary production full of color and variety, offered by six consummate actors with a host of vocal creds. Their talent is presented through a clear, new theater sound system. Great staging, variety and clever choreography carry the night, sharing the stage with a grand piano and accompanying musicians.
Each musical number becomes a one-of-a-kind highlight all its own. “Coffee in a Cardboard Cup” whisks the ensemble on a freewheeling, funny caffeine high. Early in the first set, Hansen shows off her lovely vocal talents in the beautiful, sad “Colored Lights.”
Perhaps you’ve never heard Zack Johnson sing. There are a number of opportunities in this wonderful show, where he gets free rein in lyrical, heartstring-tugging versions of “I Don’t Remember You” and “We Can Make It,” and catches a laugh when he can’t find the ring as he’s singing “Marry Me.”
Your memory bells will likely jangle “Chicago” when Ruberti Johnson and Larson Day deliver a rowdy version of the fan favorite “Class,” or Riley struts out the classic “All That Jazz.” Larson Day is unsurpassed as she belts out an unforgettable “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret.” Mayer takes front and center, getting the audience in on the act with “Ring Them Bells.”
How to get tickets to ‘The World Goes ‘Round’ in Dennis
“The World Goes Round” musical showcase won three Drama Desk Awards (musical revue; featured actress; outstanding director of a musical) after its 1991 off-Broadway opening at the Westside Theatre. The distinguished team had a career that produced more than 15 memorable musicals and films. The team’s Tony Awards included accolades for “Cabaret” (1967), “Woman of the Year” (1981) and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (1993).
If you go: Performances of “The World Goes ‘Round” are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15-16 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. Performed on the Gertrude Lawrence Stage at Dennis Union Church, 713 Main St., Dennis. Suggested donation: $25. Box office: (508) 233-2148; more information at www.eventidearts.org.
