BWW Reviews: AND THE TONY GOES TO at Emelin Theater

Martin Charnin opened his history lesson/game show/musical revue on an ominous note this Saturday evening at the comfortable and impressive Emelin Theater in Mamaroneck. Carefully adjusting his body onto a stool behind a podium, Charnin remarked, "I have to do this just so. Last night I didn't sit right and my whole body fell asleep. I had to be helped off the stage." Thankfully, Charnin's authoritative, historical tidbits about the American Theater Wing/Broadway League's Tony Award review quickly gets to what it does best - singing.

In the capable hands of Shelly Burch, Westcherster's John Treacy Egan, and Alton Fitzgerald White Broadway chestnuts come to light in glorious voice. Opening (of course) with "Another Opening" from Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate" the trio brightly sings and adds new life to the Tony winner - which did you know came to Broadway after Porter broke his legs in a horse accident?

Charnin lobs historical tidbits - "Tony's are only 67 years old;" "they are made of Lucite" here he brings his (for "Annie" up to the podium), "The award is named after Antoinette Perry, nicknamed Tony, an actress." In between the cast comfortably belt out numbers in the first act from shows they've performed in - Egan with "King of Broadway" from Mel Brooks' "The Producers", White (currently 4,000 performances or so as Mufasa in "Lion King"), and Burch from "9."

Local Mamaroneck performers from the teen Applause Theatrical Workshops pop out for "The Telephone Song" from "Bye Bye Birdie" aided by cell phones and "Nicest Kids in Town" from "Hairspray." They fare very strongly vocally although a number from "A Chorus Line" complete with actual performer headshots and resumes brought awkward tension given their obvious talent and potent desire to land in a Tony contender.

Did you know "Kismet" is one of the least performed winning shows? Too bad as White brings an urgent drama to his number. Act 2 has the three adults contemplating roles they wish they'd gotten - Burch brings new height to "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" (Peron was apparently 5'3" while Burch is 5'10" and resplendent in a dress designed by Tony winner William Ivey Long). Her Dulcinea from "Man of La Mancha" (featured on Ed Sullivan for 15 minutes and brought to Broadway after a newspaper strike) is glorious, and moving. In fact all her numbers are well acted and sung. The trio brings great charm and warmth to the Gershwin's (never won a Tony) "Can't Take That Away from Me."

Speaking of Long, two acts is a little generous for a revue - but the second act really takes off with Egan's "I Believe" from "Book of Mormon", "Music Man" and White's dazzling, moving pagan to loneliness from "Company" "Being Alive." Surely someone will be bold enough to grant him his wish and cast him in the role.

The kids are there too for act 2 bringing more pep rally than sex to "Steam Heat" and heart to "Brotherhood of Man." The choreography here compliments the kid's comfort zone more so than in act one. But again, they are in great voice.

The musical trio David Shenton Orchestra (drums, piano, and bass) brightly lends strong support and flair to each number. Charnin remarks of a Tony's ability to drive ticket sales and price increases but the evening is truly a gift and master class for the 12 students of Applause Theater Workshop as they get brilliant performances from White, vocally arresting moments from Burch, and panache from an avuncular charming Egan.

The challenge of any revue is bring just enough originality, verve, and energy to have you just wanting to hear more from both performer and show. Charnin's cast bravely surpasses this allowing the familiar songs to waft sweetly and warmly over the appreciative audience with the wistfulness of third grade valentine's from that girl whose name you can't remember in the fading class photo. White is a performer I wish I'd won a CD from in the culminating trivia games. The dozen kids will assuredly be the adults in similar revue's in the future, the main stem, or a theme park show.

As the cast and Charnin leave you clamoring for more history and perhaps including a number from Westchester's own Tom Kitt - one of eight winning shows of both Pulitzer and Tony awards - in the next installment at the Emelin. The evening can't end without a nod and audience sing-along to "The Sun will come out Tomorrow." Why not? It was a Tony winner.

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