Back Stage West By: Kristina
Mannion
The Duke Ellington classic that opens this musical says it all: It don't mean
a thing if it ain't got that swing. And as its title suggests, this Broadway
hit certainly packs plenty of swing - not ot mention an abundance of jump,
jive, and bluesy rhythm. Conceived by Paul Kelly, Swing! offers a nostalgic
journey through more than 30 of the Big Band era's best tunes, including favorites
by Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Johnny Mercer, and other well-known
composers. Accompanied by a host of lively swing dance numbers - and without
the crutch of fancy gimmicks, set pieces, or narratives - the show's familiar
songs provide an enjoyable lighthearted mix that's a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
At least this polished staging is sure to please anyone who relishers being
immersed in the pure joy of well-executed song-and-dance numbers. Supported
by Darryl Archibald's superb musical direction and the energetic efforts of
director Larry Sousa and associate director/choreographer Dana Solimando,
the cast of this production sails through each number with infectious exuberance.
It's the performers' obvious delight in the material that makes this show
such an entertaining experience. Whether harmonizing or jitterbugging, this
ensemble delivers a stimulating celebration of the music-and-dance craze that's
still popular today. Heading up the show's vocal talent, Rachel Oliver stands
out as the most gifted singer here. With a voice that's smoky and velvety
smooth, Oliver commands the stage with ease. She especially shines in her
solo renditions of "Blues in the Night" and "Stompin at the Savoy." She's
also talented at infusing a flirtatious tone in to her numbers, as evidenced
in "Blip Blip" and "All of Me"/ "I Won't Dance"
- two charmingly romantic duets she shares with David Engel. Having joined
the cast at the last minute, Engel also turns in an impressive performance.
Despite a slight stiffness in some numbers, his charismatic presence and strong
voice carry him through. Rounding out the quartet of solo singers are Danny
Michaels and Michelle Lane, who exhibit engaging personalities. Lane is particularly
appealing as a newcomer to swing in the comical "Hit Me with a Hot Note"
and "Watch Me Bounce." Complementing the vocal team with its own
brand of enthusiasm is a spirited crew of accomplished dancers. Stamping each
number with a distinct tone and personality, the troupe smoothly executes
the intricate choreography, which ranges from sultry to playful. Though all
the dancers are top-notch, the best performances here come from Solimando
and Cate Caplin. While Solimando delivers some of the show's trickiest jitterbug
maneuvers, Caplin turns up the heat with her sexy moves in the sizzling "Harlem
Nocturne" and "Blues in the Night." Together these two represent
the broad spectrum of entertainment that comprises this rousing production.
