Beachcomber By: Marchelle Hammack
Let's start out by saying I gave it a standing ovation. That's the second
standing ovation I've given since I started reviewing last April. The first
was for "Singin' in the Rain," also produced by Musical Theatre
West. I liked "Swing!" even more. This is an extraordinary show
that runs for two more weekends through February 24th at the Carpenter Performing
Arts Center. I was surprised my standing ovation was only accompanied by a
handful of other standees. Perhaps the comment one elderly gentleman made
to another during intermission explains it best, "That wore me out just
watching it." Be forewarned - this is a very energetic show. The well-toned
dancers, especially the females, seemed to be competing for the mantle of
most passionate and precise. In the partner dancing the males were excellent,
but the greatest avenues for showing off went to the females. And they reveled
in it. This is a show of potentially unrelated song and dance numbers strung
together by the threads of nostalgia, romance and love of swing, the music
and the dance, but it really works. Not as well known as "Singin' in
the Rain," "Swing!" is still considered a relatively new show,
even though it's been a smash on Broadway. In fact, Musical Theatre West is
the first regional theater to be granted the rights. Lucky Long Beach. Featuring
such standards as "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing),"
"Stompin at the Savoy," "Jumping at the Woodside," and
the incredibly performed (by Rachel Lynn Oliver) "Blues in the Night,"
this show pulses with vitality. Standout numbers included a very cute duet
between vocalist Michelle Lane and a trombone that have it out during the
song "Cry Me a River." Another sensational number was a clever scat
repartee between spatting lovers in "Blip Blip" with Rachel Oliver
(man, can she sing!) and David Engels who so ably replaced an ailing Allan
Louis. This extravaganza has a little something for everyone, regardless of
age or ethnicity; it's a mix of Jive, Latin Swing, West Coast Swing, Hip-Hop
Swing and Country-Western Swing led onstage by a fabulous neo-Swing band.
The sixteen-member cast has eight veterans of the Broadway and National Tour
productions. Directed by Larry Sousa and Dana Solimando (who is also a dancer
and choreographer), the music is helmed by Darryl Archibald. In contrast to
the gentleman quoted above at intermission, I felt very energized by the show.
Such great singing and dancing. The show folks have done it again! Future
Musical Theatre West productions include "I Love You, You're Perfect,
Now Change" from April 20 - May 5 and "Show Boat" from July
13 - 20. Ticket prices range from $20 to $45 and may be purchased by calling
(562) 430-2324 or online at Seatadvisor.com. Performances are at the Carpenter
Center at Cal State Long Beach.
