BWW Reviews: NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT Tour

Two firsts occurred for me over the weekend. It was the first time I was seeing the new Tobin Center for the Performing Arts that recently opened in San Antonio, Texas and the first time I was seeing the play, NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT. Both I must say, impressed me very much. Upon entering the Tobin Center, I was taken by the fact that it used to be the Municipal Auditorium and it looked so different. I loved the way it was lighted and decorated. Very modern. The staff were very helpful and very polite as I roamed around checking things out before the show started.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT is a show that features the music of George and Ira Gershwin and the original book by Joe DiPietro. It takes place in the roaring twenties when alcohol was prohibited and anyone caught with it would be arrested. That didn't stop the hilarious cast of characters from selling and drinking it.

In this production, Alex Enterline plays the role of Jimmy Winter, the playboy who is about to wed for the fourth time. Alex's portrayal of Jimmy is entertaining as well as impressive as he sings and dances his way through the show. The role of Billie Bendix is played by Mariah MacFarlane and her portrayal is a show stopper from beginning to end. Many may remember her as the sassy Heather in the international tour of AMERICAN IDIOT but she proves she can hold her own as she sings such Gershwin hits as "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Hangin' Around With You." Both Alex and Mariah seem to work well together and their voices complement each other when they share songs "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "S Wonderful." Also in this production were some other great actors including Reed Campbell as Cookie, Stephanie Harter Gilmore as Duchess Estonia Dulworth and Rachel Scarr as Elieen Evergreen. They proved that they have the chops to sing some of the more challenging Gershwin songs as well.

The show is both entertaining and fun for the whole audience to enjoy. It is filled with great vintage costumes and wonderful scenery that keeps the audience captivated. And the music of Gershwin will stay with you as you leave the show. You will keep humming the timeless tunes after you leave. This show is a must-see for all those nostalgic for a time when music was fun and times were simpler. It's also a show that younger audiences can enjoy as they understand a part of U.S. history in a comical and heart felt way.

The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is located in downtown San Antonio and is proud to host many great shows and performers from around the world. To see what will be there, check out their website for details.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jeremy Daniel

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