'And The World Goes Round' (original Broadway title), or 'The World Goes 'Round' (subsequent incarnations) is a revue musical featuring the music of American songwriting dream-team, John Kander and Fred Ebb. Together they have written many superb musicals, but for one reason or another (who can say what or why) only two have truly captured the Britishers' hearts and are regularly performed here [Chicago and Cabaret]. This revue musical therefore is a superb way to showcase some of their lesser-known hits.
I have been looking forward to watching this ever since it was advertised. The last time I was fortunate enough to catch this show was in Chicago (the city!) many years' ago and loved it; and having not seen majority of the musicals which these numbers are taken from, it has been my only chance of seeing them performed live. Naturally I have OC recordings of all of them in my collection, but that's not the same thing!
Arden Musical Theatre students had pulled out all the stops for this, and I have to say that this particular reviewer was verily impressed and simply didn't want the show to end this afternoon. With two alternate casts - I saw the Ebb cast I have been reliably informed - I could quite easily have stuck around and watched the whole show again that evening with (I assume) The Kander cast. This was a consummate and whole production from all on stage, and their tender ages when playing 40-somethings-with-baggage truly didn't seem to matter. They gave studied performances and we believed them totally.
Most of the songs are on the theme of love (in all its forms) with some lovely torch songs thrown in for good measure. These are interspersed with a few up-beat comedy numbers too to stop the whole thing from becoming sentimental mulch! The songs are taken from the following musicals: 'New York, New York', '70, Girls, 70', 'The Happy Time', 'The Rink', 'The Act', 'Woman Of The Year', 'Funny Lady', 'Liza With A Z', 'Zorba', 'Flora The Red Menace', 'Kiss Of The Spiderwoman', and of course 'Cabaret' and 'Chicago'.
Directed by Nick Bond, we were presented with a 'Cabaret'-esque 1920s night club with the band placed either side of a false stage erected in the centre, complete with period footlights, whilst cabaret style seating for the main cast had been placed on the forestage. 17 cast members dressed a-la 'Chicago' merry murderesses were the waitresses and sometime stage performers (ensemble / chorus), whilst the two sets of principal casts (Kander and Ebb) - 11 each time - took the seats on the forestage and told their stories.
The direction was bold and secure, the stories were highlighted, the characters clear. However, I would have preferred the central stage to have been utilised more than it was. Too much action took place between the tables and chairs forestage. The choreography (Evan Garrett) was slick, in keeping with the songs and moods, exciting and perfectly executed. Whilst the musical direction (Tomek Pieczora) was mostly pitch perfect. This was a live performance therefore one is always prepared for a slight fluff occasionally, so that was completely forgiveable. Obviously though much work had been done with the vocalists, and their understanding of and interpretations of their songs was flawless.
Sound and lighting were optimal (and the follow spots were even operated by alternate cast members dressed in costume!) The whole atmosphere, ambiance, vibe (call it what you will), was carefully considered and it worked nicely.
Unfortunately the programme does not indicate which performer sings which songs, and since I don't know the cast personally I am also a little lost (shame). However, I would like to mention here those songs which I thought (being totally subjective just for a moment!) deserve an extra mention over and above the "superb all round" which of course goes without saying! The songs were; 'And The World Goes Round', 'Coloured Lights', 'I Don't Remember You', 'There Goes The Ball Game', 'A Quiet Thing', 'Pain', 'Maybe This Time', and of course the full ensemble song and dance numbers from our waitresses-cum-chorus girls.
The professionalism and talent on display this afternoon was awe-inspiring and the overall production values of this fully ensemble show superceded many a student production I have had the pleasure and privilege of watching over the years.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 2.12.22
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 2.12.22
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