Review: A Romp through the Golden Age of Broadway with SHOWTUNE! at Winter Park Playhouse

The music of legendary Broadway composer Jerry Herman comes together in Winter Park Playhouse's revue, SHOWTUNE. This musical journey showcases what Winter Park Playhouse does best, bringing quality musical theater performance in its simplest form to audiences who appreciate great music. Combining all of Herman's greatest hits, SHOWTUNE delights and takes audiences on a journey throughout musical history.

SHOWTUNE debuted off-Broadway in 2003, but this is the first time it being performed at Winter Park Playhouse. It is a mix of retrospective charm and noteworthy showtunes from musicals like HELLO DOLLY!, MAME, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, and more. It is amazing how many recognizable songs Herman wrote that made its way into today's popular culture. Since musical theater is a reflection of the times, SHOWTUNES is a glimpse back to the Golden Age of Broadway.

The revue opens with the company performing the preppy, "It's Today" from MAME. The set up is a little loose with no clear plot other than some relationship drama. The singers with no names are grouped in pairs: a man and a woman that are easily distinguished by colored shirts. I was impressed to hear how many of Herman's songs flowed naturally despite being from different musicals at different points in his career. With only seven performers the revue made sense in terms of pacing and style. The company's voices blended well and allowed each person to show their individual style.

"A Little More Mascara" from LA CAGE AUX FOLLES performed by Benjamin Ptashinsky was my favorite song of the revue. Even though Ptashinsky was not dressed in drag, his performance of this song was everything that it needed to be with humor and feeling. In fact, Ptashinsky was my favorite performer of the group. His comedic timing was fabulous and his voice shined in all his pieces. I would love to see Ptashinsky star in LA CAGE in the future. His counterpart, Kelly Morris Rowan, sang my second favorite ballad "Time Heals Everything" from MACK & MABEL. This is the ultimate break up song and Rowan's interpretation tore at those heart strings. As the "purple" pair, Rowan and Ptashinsky were the most believable throughout the mini subplots.

Herman's music is all very light and, to me, is what people think of when you say "musical theater". Fun Fact: Did you know that Jerry Herman currently resides in Miami Beach?

"Just Go To The Movies" had a great company dance number that was traditional theater style. The "red" couple, Joshua Kolb and Kayla Kelsay-Morales had a great tap duet "Tap Your Troubles Away". It really showed that triple threat talent.

In this production there is a fourth man, played by Musical Director Chris Leavy. Leavy is a magician on the piano. Not only does Leavy accompany the revue for the entire show and the interludes, but he also sings a few songs on his own while accompanying himself. Now that is a talent that I wish I had.

Directed by Michael Edwards, SHOWTUNE runs at The Winter Park Playhouse March 31 to April 23. One thing I love about Winter Park Playhouse is that it is one of the most hospitable and most comfortable theater in town. There is a real strong sense of community here. While you're there, be sure to check out their already announced 2016-2017 season as subscriptions are already on sale and individual tickets go on sale March 29th. The Winter Park Playhouse's next show THE FANTASTICKS is already 80% sold out. For tickets and more information visit http://www.winterparkplayhouse.org/.

Photo Credit: Winter Park Playhouse

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