Review: AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND Sparkles With Selections by Kander and Ebb

Filled with humor, romance, drama and non-stop melodies, AND THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND, a brilliantly constructed retrospective of prolific musical theatre collaborators, Kander and Ebb, is a thrilling celebration of life and the fighting spirit that keeps us all going. This stunning song and dance revue celebrates some of Broadway and Hollywood's wittiest, sexiest and most memorable songs that helped launch the careers of such musical legends as Liza Minelli, Chita Rivera and Barbara Streisand.

From Cabaret to Chicago, the non-stop hit-parade features unforgettable gems including "Mr. Cellophane," "Maybe this Time," "Cabaret" and "New York, New York", all seamlessly interwoven into a passionate, harmonious, up-tempo evening of musical theatre now onstage at Theatre Palisades, directed and choreographed by Victoria Miller with musical direction by Joshua Eli Kranz who also appears onstage accompanying the singers on a lusciously rich-sounding grand piano along with Anthony Barbarotta on drums and percussion. And thanks to Kranz's musical direction, the singers harmonize beautifully throughout the production.

The cast includes Renee Travelli (Woman 1); Iphy Presley (Woman 2); Ann Grennan (Woman 3); Jared Tkocz (Man 1); and Steven Brogan (Man 2). All are wonderful singers, but there are times when a lack of emotional connection to the song's content diminished its overall impact. Then again, in this revue we are not seeing the characters from the original musicals but just singers interpreting the songs without telling the entire musical's story.

Renee Travelli is the belter in the cast and lends those skills beautifully to the title song and "Maybe This Time." She and Ann Grennen had the audience in stitches during their rendition of "Class" as they complained about how others have none when, if fact, neither do they as can clearly be seen in the reactions they get from the bartender!

There are many standout numbers including the comical "Sara Lee" performed by Jared Tkocz in loving reverence for the products, accompanied by the 3 women as various "Lucy" like housewives to great comical effect. Tkocz also shares his comic skills in "Mr. Cellophane" as well as all the ensemble numbers in which he appears, especially as the nerdy neighbor in "Ring Them Bells."

Steven Brogan adds dramatic flair to "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and more than a double dose of sexiness with Iphy Presley during "Arthur in the Afternoon." Ms. Presley also shines atop the grand piano singing "All That Jazz" along with Kranz and the rest of the cast.

The actors are impeccably dressed to the nines by June Lissandrello, with their many quick costume changes accomplished by the addition of vests, hats, aprons and other various accoutrements including roller skates for the lively "The Rink" number which ends Act 1. As grand as Victoria Miller's choreography is throughout the show, it does falter a bit during this number since two of the actors obviously are not skaters as each clumsily hobbles around on one skate during the number, which is very distracting. Perhaps having those two seated at the onstage bar chatting without putting on skates would complement this number much better so the focus can remain on the 3 actors who do skate beautifully together.

The enchanting cityscape set and mood-enhancing lighting design by Sherman Wayne includes the proscenium outlined with musical notes, setting the right atmosphere from the moment you enter the theater.

"THE WORLD GOES 'ROUND" with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, was conceived by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman, David Thompson. The production, directed and choreographed by Victoria Miller with Musical Direction by Joshua Eli Kranz, is produced by Pat Perkins and Shirley Churgin, continues through July 19 on Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at Theatre Palisades Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Blvd., Pacific Palisades 90272. Tickets are Adults $25, Seniors & Students $23. Box Office: (310) 454-1970. Free Parking at the theater.

Photos by Joy Daunis

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