Movin' Out moves into the Merriam

The story of Tommy was told through the music of the Who, and a story was built around a series of Abba songs in Mamma Mia! Unlike these two Broadway hit shows springs a concept that's not entirely clear as to what Movin' Out is trying to accomplish. It seems to work though, to some extent, and at the very best Movin' Out is a crowd pleaser.

There's little doubt that this is the music of Billy Joel as 26 of his chart busting songs are presented by a very energetic and talented young Billy Joel counterpart. The show stems from a concept that originated when choreographer Twlya Tharp who has most of her career experience in dance, ballet to be specific, got the notion to combine her attraction for Billy Joel's music with her dancers. This prompted her son to suggest that she create a work based on Joel's music. With video camera in hand Tharp took six of her best dancers, tracked down Billy Joel and invited him for a viewing. According to Joel "the concept was so different, so out there, so brilliant and risky" he couldn't resist taking her up on the idea.

Movin' Out is undoublty a sizzling display of dance and movement combined with a talented troupe of rocking musicians led by vocalist and "Piano Man" Darren Holden. Holden shares the lead vocals on the touring production with equally talented young men at the piano alternating depending on the schedule.

It's a step back in time, to the 1960's with all the characters from Joel's musical tales, Brenda & Eddie, Anthony (Tony) from Italian restaurant, sweethearts James & Judy and an assorted cast who dance there way through time, friendships, fights, wars and eventually rekindle their friendships in the 70's. The key to their characters is interpreted through Tharp's dance which in turn interprets Joel's music.

A problem with this, is that some of the dance is cluttered and confusing and almost too overwhelming to convey the intentions of the music's storyline. It's as if there is too much unspoken emotions that simply can't be defined through the choreography. The Vietnam war scene, while poignant, leaves a bit of confusion as to the reality of what is taking place onstage and who is left for dead. Some of Joel's songs do not seem to fit the movement on stage. "We Didn't Start the Fire" seemed to grasp at straws to define itself, as well as did "For the Longest Time" which also lacked an obvious theme for movement.

However a few of Tharp's solos and duets were right on the money including interpretations such as "Big Shot," and "Shameless." Outstanding performances were delivered by Brendan King (Eddie), Laurie Kanyork ( Brenda), David Gomez (Tony), and Julieta Gors (Judy) and of course the Billy Joel of the evening, Darren Holden. 

Movin' Out runs at the Merriam Theater, Philadelphia through May 29, 2005. For more information visit www.broadwayaccrossamerica.com.