Review: New Jewish Theatre Presents Sizzling LAST OF THE RED HOT MAMAS

Sophie Tucker, born Sophie Kalish, was an extraordinary performer, possessing a big voice and an even bigger personality, she charmed audiences with her spicy humor and risque material. Tony Parise (who also directs this staging) and Karin Baker have assembled an entertaining and informative show, Last of the Red Hot Mamas...a Sophie Tucker Revusical, that tells Tucker's life in story and song, offering up over 30 selections that are culled from a lengthy and successful career that found her doggedly moving forward through vaudeville, burlesque, the follies, radio, Hollywood, and television. The New Jewish Theatre is offering up a delightful and nostalgic production filled with catchy and moving tunes and tales, and it positively sizzles.

The show takes us on a whirlwind tour through the people and places that shaped Tucker's life, and throughout the evening we're introduced to key figures who helped to encourage and provide her with opportunities to display her talents and ample charms. Of course, Sophie faced many challenges along the way, and these are presented as well. One such instance became a defining moment in the early part of her career, when the trunk containing her blackface make-up (which she despised) failed to turn up, and she was forced to go onstage as herself. Naturally, she won over the audience, and never went back to using blackface again.

Christy Simmons, Phoebe Raileanu, and Johanna Elkana-Hale all share in the role of the indomitable Tucker, with Simmons taking the lead, as the older, but wiser narrator. Raileanu takes on the youngest incarnation, and imbues the young Sopie with a genuine sense of determination and a true passion for singing. Elkana-Hale plays Tucker during the middle years, and does so with considerable aplomb, belting out a bevy of familiar numbers. But, even though each of them is simply terrific, it's Simmons that really carries the show, bringing the stentorian singer to life with her strong work.

The enthusiastic and impressive supporting cast includes: John Flack, Keith Parker, Troy Turnipseed, Laura Ackermann, Elise LaBarge, Marty Casey, and pianist Henry Palkes.

Director and choreographer Tony Parise obviously knows this material well, and he shapes and stages it nicely for the space. Music director Henry Palkes does splendid work behind the piano, in character, and in bringing these standards to life on stage. He's aided by Jay Hungerford's contributions on bass, and Scott Alberici's tasteful work on clarinet. Dunsi Dai's scenic design conjures up a stage within a stage that allows the musical numbers to play out at various levels to offer variety. Mark Wilson's lighting keeps the actors and singers in focus throughout.

The New Jewish Theatre's production of Last of the Red Hot Mamas is an enjoyable evening of musical theatre that provides the audience with a engaging look at a key figure from a bygone era, and this lovely presentation continues through December 26, 2010.

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