As Thousands Cheer

 

 

     The hit musical of the 1933 season was a little revue by Irving Berlin, the prolific quintessential American songwriter, with a book of sketches lampooning the headlines and celebrities of the day, crafted by Moss Hart.  It might have disappeared from memory if it weren’t for the cavalcade of Berlin hits including “Heat Wave”,“Suppertime”,“Easter Parade”,” Harlem On My Mind.”

     The Musical Theatre Guild revived the review in a super presentation on Nov 19. This immensely talented group, a real treasure in the Southland, gave As Thousands Cheer a rousing rendition, starring an all MTG-member cast of incredible performers. The sketches may have been a little corny (Mr. An Mrs. Hoover calling their enemies their last day in the White House) but they all had immense charm and some still knocked your socks off (“Suppertime” as sung by the stunning Jennifer Shelton).

     One of my favorite skits was the one involving Mahatma Gandhi (Michael Kostroff) on a hunger strike, and Aimee Semple MacPherson (Maura Knowles). Moss Hart was not afraid to send up these icons. MacPherson asks Gandhi to join her crusade cross- country so they can make a pile of money. Likewise, Moss Hart sends up The English Royals, Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks, as well as the afore- mentioned Herbert and Lou Hoover, played with over- the- top glee by Reese Holland and the petite bundle of energy, Marsha Kramer.

     The evening wasn’t all laughs however. Michael Kostroff, usually known for his comic imagination, played it straight as a lonely- hearts editor. His rendition of “Lonely Heart” was very moving.  Jennifer Shelton not only was shattering singing “Suppertime’, but showed us her versatility in “Harlem On My Mind” sung in a very sultry and sexy manner.

     Cate Caplin, who usually choreographs, directed this piece ably and kept things flowing. The only accompaniment was a piano (played sensitively by Dean Mora) with Jim Garafalo on drums. Though this arrangement was meager (mimicking the recent Off-Broadway revival) it more than sufficed. In fact, given the cavern-like nature of the Alex Theatre,  it may have been  a distinct improvement.

     All said,  I really enjoyed myself. The talent was terrific and the presentation fully professional despite the limited rehearsal (25 hours) and small cast (original had 50).  You might want to buy the cast album of the recent Off-Broadway production which featured Kevin Chamberlin, B.D.Wong,Howard McGillan, Judy Kuhn,  and Paula Newsome. It’s too bad you can’t purchase a recording of this memorable LA cast. Next time you will just have to catch them live.

ALEX THEATRE in GLENDALE www.mtg.org