There's a Cabin in the Sky For You and For Me

The score of Lyric Stage's production of Cabin in the Sky is to put it quite simply, resounding.  These songs were performed by some impressive performers with supreme voices and high energy.  It was glorious to witness a live performance of this rarely done musical.  Despite a few flaws, this Cabin in the Sky is entertainment of the highest order.

Cabin in the Sky was first presented on Broadway in 1940.  Billed as a "musical fantasy," it was the work of Vernon Duke (Music), John La Touche (Lyrics), and Lynn Root (Book.)  It ran for nearly six months and was filmed in 1943.  An off-Broadway revival had an abbreviated run in 1964.  The story concerns the forces of Good and Evil fighting for the soul of simple Little Joe, a man who has "raised a little Cain" in the past but is now trying to reform.

Singing the majority of Duke's stupendous score was Eleanor T. Threatt in the role of Petunia, Little Joe's wife.  Her voice and stage presence reached right over the footlights and into the audience. When she sang, she displayed a rich and vocal tone that reached heights higher than Mt.Everest.  Her singing of "Taking a Chance on Love" (the one hit song from the score) stopped the show.  She did equally as well with a torch song "Love Turned The Light Out" and the rhythm number "Savannah."

As Little Joe, Vince McGill gave a fine portrayal of the tortured man caught between Right and Wrong.  His scenes with Petunia were well acted and moving. He also shared two pleasing duets with Miss Threatt, the title song and "In My Old Virginia Home," as well as showing a flair for humor in the number "Love Me Tomorrow."

The major portion of humor in the Entertainment fell to Wilbur Penn in the role of The Head Man. (aka Lucifer, Jr.)  His facial expressions as he monitored Little Joe's progress were delightful and his near wrestling match with The Lord's General was a highlight.  Mr. Penn also handled comic singing in the song "Do What You Wanna Do" adroitly.

Marcus M. Mauldin in the role of The Lord's General showed a magnificent voice in "

Make Way

."  Two other performers in fine voice were Crystal Williams as Georgia Brown, the local bad woman, and Doris Howard as Lily, Petunia's friend.

Detracting from the overall enjoyment was the Book.  Even by 1940 standards, it was weak—the characters were stereotypes and much of the dialogue between the numbers proved to be unwieldy.  The Director-Choreographer, Bruce Wood, at first seemed to be the ideal person to helm this production.  (He had studied under George Balanchine, who had directed and choreographed the Broadway production.)  Mr. Wood managed the singing and Book scenes well but the choreography was banal.  One can only dream what the dancing for a number like "Savannah" or "Do What You Wanna Do" could have been!

However, the Lyric Stage production of Cabin in the Sky is noteworthy.  This is a splendid opportunity to see a rarely down 1940 musical with some musical gems and genuine powerhouse performances.

 

Cabin in the Sky continues through October 21.  For more information, visit the Lyric Stage website.

 

 

Headshot 1:  Eleanor T. Threatt

 

Headshot 2:  Wilbur Penn

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