” On The Town” is a love letter to NYC, The Great White Way, and the gorgeous dance by Megan Fairchild was nothing short of spectacular and had me screaming bravo/ brava out loud. The fantastic music and lyrics can’t be beaten.
The show starts with three sailors with a day off in New York City. The three are looking for love and fun. While on the subway, Gabby falls for a photo of Miss Turnstile and sets out to find the woman he is in lust with. The other friends also search the City to try and find Gabby the lady of his dreams.
Jackie Hoffman, who is always a scene stealer, is over the top in this production. In the Paper Mill production, the incredible Harriet Harris was a scene, stealer. Hoffman is at her prime in this show. She plays several parts from grumpy loud old ladies, a teacher, night club performers and more. She had perfect comic timing and had me howling.
For me, though the dream ballet in the second act was the best part of this production. Megan Fairchild and Tony Yazbeck dance in a ring in a dream ballet that was riveting. Seeing beautiful dance makes me cry, and I had to fight the tears as it was so beautiful. Also, the score is a favorite. Betty Comden and Adolph Green who also wrote another favorite “Wonderful Town” prove that the lyrics and music stand up and can take your breath away.
Another highlight was seeing Sondheim in the audience.
The gorgeous music is by Leonard Bernstein.
Corine Dana Cohen
