BWW Reviews: Creative Cauldron's JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS Hits the Right Notes

Creative Cauldron's 2014-15 season is entitled, "Oh the places we will go..." And it's hard not to feel transported back to 1950's Paris with their charming production of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.

Conceived by Eric Blau and Mort Shuman, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris is a musical revue celebrating the work of singer-songwriter Jacques Brel. Featuring 24 of his songs along with brief commentaries, the revue was a big hit off-Broadway in 1968 and has since been seen in countless regional and international productions.

The reason for the revue's success are Brel's lyrics. Each song is a mini-play or fable filled with poignant observations about life's experiences. Love, death, relationships, war and society are all themes that are featured. His observations range from witty to astute to comical and appear to be full of personal introspection. The only real flaw with the revue is that we aren't provided with more biographical information about the singer-songwriter whose work we are celebrating.

Brel's lyrics are so rich and vivid, that we're left wondering about the experiences that shaped him. Many of his lyrics have a political or societal subtext cleverly woven throughout them. What was it that enabled Brel, who died at the young age of 49, to synthesize the human experience so clearly?

The talented foursome of Shaina Virginia Kuhn, John Loughney, Katie McManus and Alan Naylor perform Brel's music. Because the songs range from comedic to profound, each cast member receives their own opportunities to shine with both solo and ensemble numbers. Several standout songs include the ensembles nostalgic version of "Carousel (La Valse A Mille Temps)," Naylor's hilarious "Madeleine," Loughney's sharp barb "Funeral Tango," Kuhn's heartfelt "Marieke" and McManus' pleading "You're Not Alone."

Matt Conner and Laura Connors Hull's efficient direction along with Blau and Shuman's arrangements of Brel's songs have paced the show very well. The production itself is minimalist in nature which is fitting for the show's musical revue format. A series of wooden platforms and slopes which lay center stage are the show's only set. Using a series of simple props, the cast is able to transform it into a plethora of settings. Each of which highlights the song being performed.

Christopher Meyer's lighting design does a great job enhancing the atmosphere of each song and the emotion layered within Brel's lyrics. A four-piece band led by Music Director Virginia Rice is the perfect complement because they never overpower the performers. Between Creative Cauldron's intimate space and with the band being situated behind the performers, the whole production has the feeling of a small French bistro.

Perhaps the greatest compliment I can bestow upon this production was that afterword I downloaded a Jacques Brel album. Musical revues are extraordinary for their ability to help us discover new artists and new works. Blau and Shuman's hope was that this revue would reveal the work of Jacques Brel to the world. With the show's global success and Creative Cauldron's fine production it would be an understatement to say that they accomplished just that.

Run time is 90 minutes with no intermission

Photo: Alan Naylor, Shaina Virginia Kuhn, John Loughney and Katie McManus. Credit: Gary Mester

Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris plays thru October 26th at Creative Cauldron, 410 S Maple Ave, Falls Church, VA 22046. For tickets, call (571) 239-5288 or click here.

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