Review: AN EVENING WITH COLE PORTER at Musical Theater Heritage

New this week at Musical Theater Heritage is an original George Harter Review "An evening with Cole Porter." It is an enjoyable and pleasant diversion for those who just want some fun with a group of talented singers. George and a cast of seven breathe new life into some of Porter's most timeless songs under the musical direction of Jeremy Watson with a four piece combo. Anyone who enjoys George's radio show will love this offering. Director and choreographer Steven Eubanks have added additional dance to MTH's usual song and panache.

The evening begins with a major chorus number/tap routine, "Anything Goes" from Cole Porter's musical play of the same name. Porter was one of those most endangered Tin Pan Alley creatures, a protestant song writer. Cole Porter came from Midwestern money and married into more. He wrote music more for his own amusement than the cash it provided. He had difficulty writing in a voice other than his own. His musicals were more written around his music rather than the other way around.

The seven member cast includes Josh Atkins, Lauren Braton, Tyler Eisenreich, Ben Gulley, Elise Poehing, Shon Ruffin, and Licia Watson. The arranger for this musical tribute is Musical Director Jeremy Watson. Jeremy is a show in himself. As a matter of fact, for this musical tribute, Jeremy and bassist Julie Danielson step out from their accustomed places for a bravura rendition of "Friendship."

Cole Porter is remembered for his shows DuBarry Was a Lady, Anything Goes, Can-Can, Kiss Me Kate, and Silk Stockings. Song hits include "Night and Day"(Ben Gulley), "I Get a Kick Out of You"(Lauren Bratton), "Just One of those Things"(Shon Ruffin), "Its Delovely"(Josh Atkins) and "You Do Something To Me" (Tyler Eisenreich and Elise Poehling).

A memorable section of the show is the Act II opener "In the Still of the Night" sung by Licia Watson. The number begins with a tenor ukulele solo by Ben Gully, then Licia sings, followed by the rest of the band joining in one by one and building to a big ending. It would be more correct to call this one an instrumental number with Licia playing the instrument that is her voice, to a great arrangement.

The "Kiss Me Kate" medley from Ben Gulley and others gives Ben the opportunity to show off to the audience the infinite shadings possible singing popular music with his marvelously trained tenor voice. And who can forget the "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" rendered by Tyler Eisenreich and Josh Atkins.

Portable body microphones are used for each singer as a first time experiment at Musical Theater Heritage. It does allow for more movement freedom during more frequent song and dances from the capable cast. A good time will be had by all.

Tickets for "An Evening with Cole Porter" through March 13th are available at the Musical Theater Heritage website or by telephoning 816-221-6987.

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