For those old enough to remember, York Theatre Company's "Musicals in Mufti" series is a gift of nostalgia - bringing back forgotten musical theatre gems. For younger audience members, it is an opportunity to be introduced to some vintage musicals that are seldom performed today. This season's Mufti series of a wonderful collection of musicals that all have Jule Styne as the composer. The opening gem is "Hallelujah, Baby," that won the Tony for best musical in 1967, starring Leslie Uggams. Book is by Arthur Laurents, Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, with additional Lyrics by his daughter, Amanda Green. Those of us in the audience on Opening Night were thrice blessed, for joining in the festivities were Ms. Green, and her mother, Tony winner Phyllis Newman, Adolph Green's widow. Also in attendance was Mrs. Jule Styne. the distinguished composer's widow.
It was a special night, made even more special by the gifted cast who performed this staged reading of the musical. Under the Direction of Gerry McIntyre, the cast of nine sang, danced, and acted their way through the story of Georgina, who through the magic of theater, remains 25 years old as the action progresses through all of the decades of the 20th century - and beyond. Music Director, David Hancock Turner, conducts from the Steinway, accompanied on the Bass Viol by Richie Goods.
The triple threat cast is anchored by the luminous Stephanie Umoh, no stranger to the Mufti series. There may be no more pure a voice performing on NYC stages than that of Ms. Umoh, who leads us through Georgina's journey of loves won, loves lost, a bumpy career, and a growing awareness of her responsibility as a successful artist of color to add the weight of her voice to the ongoing struggle for equality and freedom for her people. The song, "My Own Morning," which reappears in several reprises, is her anthem of hopes and dreams. It is beautifully written and wondrously performed.
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| Stephanie Umoh as Georgina "Hallelujah, Baby" York Theatre Company "Musicals in Mufti" Through February 4th |
The role of Georgina's Momma is played memorably by the venerable Vivian Reed. She takes this colorful character through an arc that begins with a servile "shuckin' and grinnin'" maid and evolves into a modern woman claiming her long-delayed rightful place in the world. Her song "I Don't Know Where She Got It"stops the show.
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| Vivian Reed as Momma Stephanie Umoh as Georgina "Hallelujah, Baby" York Theatre Company "Musicals in Mufti" Through February 4th |
Georgina loves two men, Clem (Jarran Muse), who becomes a radical activist as the action progresses, and Harvey (Tally Sessions), a white man whose attempts to support and protect Georgina are experienced as patronizing. These two rivals for Georgina's affection get to reveal themselves wonderfully through song. Clem and Georgina share a duet, "When The Weather's Better," looks forward metaphorically to the day when the clouds of Jim Crow will have lifted. These three principals share a trio in Act II, "Talking to Yourself," that highlights their respective struggles.
Reminding us of the day when the art form of tap was fully embraced are Randy Donaldson as Tap and Bernard Dotson as Tip. Rounding out the cast are Jennifer Cody as Mary, Michael Thomas Holmes as Hutchinson, and Latoya Edwards as Chloe.
Before I attended this revival, I was not familiar with this show or its music, but I left humming several of the gorgeous tunes. You have until this Sunday, February 4th, to replicate my memorable experience with "Hallelujah, Baby."
Upcoming shows in the "Musicals in Mufti" series include "Bar Mitzvah Boy," February 10-18, and "Subways Are for Sleeping," February 24-March .
Enjoy!
Al
York TheatreWebsite
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