Philip Chaffin, David Wolfson, Blair Alexis Brown, Kathy
Calahan and
Eric Scott Kincaid in the MTC MainStage production of "Cole."
Eric Scott Kincaid in the MTC MainStage production of "Cole."
Photo by Joe Landry
The intimate confines of MTC
MainStage in Westport is currently presenting “Cole: An Entertainment Based on
the Works and Music of Cole Porter,” a rather lumbering title for a light,
frothy revue featuring some of Cole Porter’s best songs (and some seldom
heard), presented by a talented cast of four who seem to be really enjoying
what they are doing.
The structure of “Cole” is
formulaic, for most shows showcasing the work of single composers or artists
offer songs interspersed with bits of biography – it can become a tad
monotonous if the cast really isn’t into it. Such is not the case here. As
directed by Kevin Connors, MTC’s executive artistic director, the evening,
which lasts a bit more than an hour, moves along nicely, with the cast, which
includes Blair Alexis Brown (the show's Ethel Merman), Kathy Calahan, Phillip
Chaffin and Eric Scott Kincaid (last seen at MTC in “Cabaret’” in a riveting
performance as the Emcee), interacting in a believable manner (such interaction
often seems forced in productions like this).
The songs are presented
chronologically, starting with Porter’s first efforts at writing a fight song
for the Yale football team – “Bingo, That’s the Lingo” -- and then, after he
gave up studying law at Harvard, his first Broadway effort, a dismal flop
called “See America First.” Chagrined by the negative critical response, Porter
fled to Paris ,
where he indulged in a somewhat sybaritic lifestyle. He returned to Broadway in
1928 with his first hit show, “Paris .”
His star rose, then fell, then soared with “Kiss Me Kate,” which won the Tony
Award in 1949
Kathy Calahan and Eric Scott Kincaid in the MTC
MainStage
production of "Cole." Photo by Joe Landry
“Cole” offers snippets of
biographical information, with a somewhat coy handling of Porter’s sexuality,
while allowing the cast to highlight many of the composer’s enduring and
endearing songs: “Love for Sale,” “I Love Paris,” “Anything Goes,” “So in
Love,” “Another Op’nin’” and, of course, “It's De-Lovely.” There’s just the
right mix of the well-known and the somewhat arcane songs penned by one of America ’s
most sophisticated song writers, a man who contributed many memorable songs to
what has become known as the American Songbook.
For those who like witty lyrics and
a sprightly tune, “Cole” is an easy night out, easy on the ears and the eyes,
and it is also a reminder of a time in America when what happened on Broadway –
the songs that were sung on its stages – were the songs that would fill the
airwaves and be sung in parlors across the nation. It was a vibrant time for
American musical theater, and Cole Porter was at the heart of it.
“Cole” runs through May 12. For
tickets or more information call 203-454-3883 or go to www.musictheatreofct.com
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