Theater Review of On the Town
3 out of 4 Stars
Do not judge the groundbreaking 1944 Broadway musical “On the Town” by its lame 1949 MGM movie version starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra.
Though its plot about three sailors on 24-hour shore leave in Manhattan remained the same, the bulk of Leonard Bernstein’s symphonic score (with lyrics and book by Adolph Green and Betty Comden) was mercilessly ripped out of the film, including the timeless ballads “Lonely Town,” “Lucky To Be Me” and “Some Other Time.”
Luckily, “On the Town” has been restored to its full theatrical glory in City Center Encores’ handsome concert production, which runs through Sunday. As directed by John Rando, it is also superior to the show’s 1998 flop Broadway revival. As always, the 30-person Encores orchestra, playing Bernstein’s original orchestrations, is wonderful.
As in the original Broadway production, “On the Town” begins not with an overture, but an impromptu rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This serves as a firm reminder that “On the Town” was written during and takes place in World War II.
After spending a short day in New York and meeting women that they care about, the musical’s three sailors are suddenly shipped off to fight overseas. After all the fun and games, “On the Town” is mixed with a great deal of sadness.
Tony Yazbeck is truly affecting as Gabey, the mature but lonely sailor who aimlessly chases after his dream girl (Jessica Lee Goldyn). Christian Borle and Justin Bohon bring a great dose of youthful enthusiasm as Gabey’s buddies.
Leslie Kritzer is a wild riot as Hildy, the sexually charged cab driver who delivers the screwball comedy songs “Come Up to My Place” and “I Can Cook Too.” And as an inebriated music tutor, Andrea Martin chews the scenery with aplomb.
Though Jerome Robbins’ original choreography no longer exists, he did restage three production numbers (including “New York, New York”) in 1989 for “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway” that have now been replicated. In addition, Warren Carlyle has staged the remaining ballets in Robbins’ muscular, masculine style.
New York City Center, 130 West 55th St, 212-581-1212, $25-95. Fri 8pm, Sat 2 & 8pm, Sun 6:30pm. Thru Sun.
