Alessandra Djurklou Staff Writer Press Telegram
'World' of Kander and Ebb
Musical Theatre West revue of duo's music features songs from 'Chicago,' 'Cabaret' among others

Where: Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach When: Opens 8 p.m. Saturday. Regular run is 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; through May 11 Tickets: $20 to $45 Information: (562) 430-2324

When Musical Theatre West managers decided to put "The World Goes " Round'' into the company's 2002-2003 season, they had no idea that the film version of John Kander and Fred Ebb's "Chicago" would sweep the Oscars this year.

But producer Paul Garman, for one, is happy about it. After all, the revue, which pays tribute to the music of Kander and Ebb, features several numbers from "Chicago." '

"Its got 'Mr. Cellophane,' 'All That Jazz' and 'Class,' '' Garman said, adding that "Class" was cut out of the film, which starred Richard Gere, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger.

But numbers from "Chicago" aren't the only attraction in this revue. There will also be selections from "Cabaret," "Zorba the Greek" and "Funny Girl," as well as other shows.

In short, if you're a Kander and Ebb fan, you should be well satisfied, and if you're not, you may be surprised at how many familiar numbers you hear that you had no idea the duo wrote.

But back to "Chicago" the "World" cast features a veteran of, if not the film, at least the national Broadway tour.

Actor Adrian Zmed played nefarious "Chicago" lawyer Billy Flynn on tour. Television buffs may remember him from "T.J. Hooker," where he played William Shatner's partner, and "Dance Fever," where he hosted. Then there are films, including "Bachelor Party" ' and "Grease 2." And that's just the '80s. The years since have included Broadway ("Blood Brothers," "Children of Eden"), film ("Running From Shadows") and television work ("Passions"). And, of course, local audiences may remember him as Adam/Noah in the Musical Theatre West 2000 production of "Children of Eden."

"(Paul Garman) completely twisted my arm," said Zmed of his decision to do this show.

Zmed is joking. Apart from being an actor lucky enough to have more work than he has time for, this revue poses a special challenge.

"It's the first revue I've ever done,'' said Zmed, adding that, unlike the roles he usually takes, being part of a small five-member ensemble is quite different.

"I became the lead in shows for a reason," he said. "I didn't have to do all that work. Now I've got to do what everybody else does.''

All that work doesn't just include learning and performing dozens of songs, but also roller skating and playing the baritone ukelele. And imagine doing all that with a blown-out knee; Zmed has been going through physical therapy for quite a while.

"This is my first musical since 'Chicago," he said, adding that, though the knee is cooperating at the moment, he will probably have to have a joint replacement at some point.

But Zmed is not complaining. This show offers him the challenge few shows do; he gets to play at least eight different characters. And he gets to sing some of Kander and Ebb's biggest hits, including "We Can Make It" and "I Don't Remember You.''

And that's worth clearing your calendar for.

Cast member Lucy Daggett agrees.

Daggett may not be dealing with a bum knee at the moment, but being head of Long Beach's Public Corporation for the Arts takes up plenty of time.

Still, Daggett, a Long Beach native and local stage veteran, couldn't resist this revue. She's a Kander and Ebb fan, saying the songs have an "intricate harmony."

And then there's the challenge of doing a revue.

"I alone have 19 songs," she said, listing a few, including "Ring Them Bells," "Colored Lights" and "How Lucky Can You Get." '

While "World" has been around a while more than a decade, and the songs are older than that Daggett said she felt the songs have "held up so well," which makes the show topical.

"It goes from sentimental to all kinds of wild stuff," ' she said.

Like the ukelele playing and roller skating?

Definitely, though Daggett is the one cast member lucky enough to get to wear a crash helmet during the latter action.

"I haven't roller skated since I was 12,'' she said.

There's also a number on crutches, Daggett added, fittingly called "Pain." '

Unlike Zmed, Daggett is used to the hectic pace of revues.

"I think I've done six or seven revues,'' she said. "I'm the revue queen.''

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