BWW Reviews: IN THE MOOD Brings the Boogie to New Orleans

Alright, so unlike most humans who are currently in their mid-twenties, I grew up listening to the tunes of artists like Bing Crosby (not just at Christmastime), Judy Garland, Perry Como, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, The Andrews Sisters... I could go on forever. I listened to it because my dad listened to it because his dad listened to it. It's in my blood, I can't help it. Besides, have you ever given 40s music a really good listen? If you have, you'll know that there never were smoother voices in this history of forever. Silky smooth, buttery voices. People just don't sing like that anymore! Not to mention full orchestras backed the singers. Full orchestras! We're talking piano, drums, trumpets, trombones, bass (the upright kind), saxophone... I mean these guys really knew how to rock!

More than just bringing bliss to my ears, music of the 1940s makes me nostalgic for a time when you could turn on the radio and not have to worry about hearing profanities. The songs were sweet, sincere, sometimes uplifting, sometimes sorrowful, sometimes downright snarky. But they were always full of spirit, especially surrounding the events of World War II.

Complete with the String of Pearls Orchestra and some singers and swing dancers, IN THE MOOD is a show that celebrates that nostalgia and that spirit by bringing the music of the 1940s right to your hometown. They brought the boogie to New Orleans this past weekend, and if you missed them, try with all your might to catch them in another city. Don't get stuck in the rut of thinking that only Broadway national tours are the shows to see, because IN THE MOOD is a show that has a lot of heart and the talent to back it up!

If I haven't convinced you yet, here are some of the reasons why I loved IN THE MOOD:

1. The costumes. Not that all of the attire wasn't great (because it was), but I was especially glad to see spectator shoes on the gentlemen at some points. Those are the shoes that look like little tuxedos. Usually brown or black, with a white middle. Sort of like a reverse saddle oxford. So dapper! And as for the ladies... Can I please have every single one of those outfits for my closet? Particularly the peplum tops worn during the "Sisters and Brothers Medley" segment, which oddly enough is back in style!

2. "Hey! Ba Ba Re Bop!" complete with audience participation. Seriously... It was so fun! The show is performed "review" or "showcase" style with a narrator (Ryan N. Phillips) who frequently interacted with the audience, but I wasn't expecting to be invited to participate. Vocalist Dan Faber led this number, and had everyone in the audience bee-bopping along to this swinging song.

3. Two female vocalists (Emilie Bienne and Brittney Leigh Morton) stood out during a mash-up of "Skylark" and "Mood Indigo." These chicks have got some big voices that are totally made to be on stage! The songs were beautifully arranged, and what started out as a soothing melody turned into a power ballad.

4. "Say That We're Sweethearts Again," performed by Ryan N. Phillips, was quite the crowd pleaser. It's one of those songs where you think it's going to be a sentimental tune, but it turns out to be quite snarky. It involves poison, pushing, kicking, fire, acid, and a hatchet. All reasonable tactics to try and get rid of a less than pleasant significant other, right? Dare I say this, but fans of the Batman animated series might recognize this as a song villain Harley Quinn sang in an episode.

5. My favorite part of the show was "The Sisters and Brothers Medley." I absolutely love The Andrews Sisters, and it was so fun to hear their songs performed live! The costumes and choreography were on point, and if "Bei Mir Bist Du Schön" really does mean "you're grand" (or something of that nature) then it describes this segment perfectly. Even if you think you don't know who The Andrews Sisters are, you do. They are responsible for popularizing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," and I can only imagine it was their their style that inspired Christina Aguilera's video for her song "Candyman."

6. Paige Sabo and Luke H. Jacobs, IN THE MOOD's resident swing dancers. What a thrill to watch! I've always loved to dance, but it takes completely fearless people to really know how to swing. What with all of that jumping and being thrown around I would've been so dizzy. But not these guys... they're pros. So graceful and so energetic all at the same time. It brought me back to the days when I was a little bitty girl watching Bobby Burgess and Cissy King dance on The Lawrence Welk Show. Bravo!

7. The most touching moment of the evening was when the cast gave a salute to the military men and women in the audience. The fact of the matter is that music played an important role to help lift our nation's spirit as we fought our way through World War II, and it was nice to see those retired and active military heroes recognized. And, as if "America the Beautiful" doesn't make me teary enough, the audience was moved to their feet (literally) out of appreciation and respect.

Have I convinced yet? Have I convinced you that not only is 40s music to die for, but that seeing IN THE MOOD isn't an option. You must. See this show, and you will not only increase your musical knowledge repertoire, but you will feed your soul! I'll even help you out. Click on this link http://wp1.inthemoodlive.com/, and purchase your tickets right now! You won't be sorry.

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