Review: NEW YORK STATE OF MIND at Florida Studio Theatre

If you're in a New York State of Mind, grab your Uptown Girl, Just the Way You Are, and cross the River of Dreams to Florida Studio Theatre. Hank von Kolnitz, Michael Fasano and Sergi Robles, veterans of musical theater, have a treat in store for you.

Creators Alexander Aguilar and John De Simini bring to the stage a charismatic tribute to the Piano Man himself, Billy Joel. From tight harmonies, intimate solos, and lively choreography, the Uptown Boys stand ready to deliver - giving the audience the opportunity to enjoy some revered old favorites and beckoning us to sing along. There's a nice pace to this production that keeps it moving and interesting.

In ACT l the production kicks off with Scenes from An Italian Restaurant with the guys looking sharp in black tuxes minus the ties. Each has their own distinguished look and performance styling, vocal intonation, and range. Each singer can carry his own, and together they blend very well. Showing their versatility, they slip easily into Only the Good Die Young followed by a playful rendition of Uptown Girl. The Longest Time really showed off their harmonies and it was all about being cool in sunglasses during a sassy version of Movin' Out. A nice touch adding bar stools for A New York State of Mind offered the feel of one of New York's slick cabarets. Joel's defining work, Piano Man was bold and ear-catching. Finishing off the first half of the production again highlighted their great harmonics with River of Dreams.

A Matter of Trust opens ACT ll followed by "Love Medley", nicely combining She's Always a Woman, She's Got a Way, and To Make You Feel My Love. I was expecting a wardrobe change in ACT ll. The fun banter between the guys, mostly instigated by Hank, and their cool look wearing shades in the first act, made me feel that was a tip-off to something "different" coming in the second act. I would have liked to have seen some tight jeans and t-shirts.

Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway is a somber song and brought the mood down a bit. However, overall the production stayed lively. I'm sure the creators purposefully chose the songs that were included in this show to keep the mood up and the beat swinging. A few tunes later, we were treated to the "Rock Medley" of Easy Money, Christie Lee, You May Be Right, glorious - Still Rock and Roll to Me, spunky - Big Shot, power-packed Angry Young Man, My Life and bring the house down - We Didn't Start the Fire.

Michael and Sergi will entertain you with their subtle stylings and smooth vocals. Hank's edgy bad-boy charisma filled the room. He's the high-energy flirt in the group and the ladies loved it. And those curly locks. This is a fun show you may want to see twice.

For more information on Uptown Boys visit: https://www.uptownboyslive.com/

New York State of Mind runs through October 2, 2022 in Florida Studio Theatre's Court Cabaret, transferring to the Goldstein Cabaret through October 9, 2022. For more information visit: floridastudiotheatre.org

Photo Credit: FST

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