A CLASS ACT. To 2 October.
London
A CLASS ACT
Music& Lyrics by Edward Kleban Book by Linda Kline & Lonny Price
Landor Theatre 70 Landor Road, London, SW9 9PH To 2 October 2004
(Northern Line to Clapham North, then 2 minutes walk)
Tuesday Saturday, 7.30pm
Runs 2hr 30min One interval
Tickets: 020 7737 7276
www.landortheatre.co.uk
Review: Peter Kinsey 6 September
Double celebration hits the spot.This show is a double celebration: the Landor celebrates its tenth birthday with a musical which itself is a celebration. It charts the life of composer and lyricist Ed Kleban, a neurotic perfectionist, best known for the lyrics of A Chorus Line. Frustratingly, his other work was never performed on Broadway until after his early death from cancer. This show, now receiving its UK premiere, was fashioned around his songs and proved a hit in America.
It opens at his memorial service at that Temple of the American musical, the Shubert Theatre, and follows his life in a series of flashbacks. It traces not only his progress, but, in effect, that of the Broadway musical, from his early days in composing class (hence the title) to his death.
There is corn (but not quite as high as an elephant's eye), sentiment and schmaltz, as you would expect. However, the show has sadness and a dark side. It amply demonstrates Kleban's versatility to take all the staples of Broadway and write songs of beauty, humour and self-awareness. You can enjoy twenty almost unknown examples in this performance.
A strong cast do it proud, all acting, singing and dancing with equal strength. Anthony Houghton, as Ed, gives a central performance of depth, vulnerability and charm. He is more than fully supported by his classmates. The women in his life: a cross-section of the loyal (Naomi Lewis, Vanessa Karlsson), the sexy (Zoe Smith) and the ambitious (Sarah Waddell). And the men: the preppy (Morgan Williams), the oddball (John Stacey) and the mentor (Barry Fantoni). John Stacey also provides a hilarious and well-observed caricature of A Chorus Line's composer Michael Bennett, while Morgan Williams, as Marvin Hamlisch, joins Ed in a witty sequence showing the genesis of that show.
Robert McWhir's direction is pacy and adroit, knitting dialogue and song in a seamless flow. He is assisted by the choreography of Cathy Carday (plenty of razzmatazz) the lighting of Richard Lambert (the Landor's brand new rig is another birthday present) the costumes of Paul Tate (skilfully following the fashion timeline) and the musical direction of David Randall and the band.
Lucy: Vanessa Karlsson
Bobby: John Stacey
Ed: Anthony Houghton
Felicia: Sarah Waddell
Lehman: Barry Fantoni
Charley: Morgan Williams
Mona: Zoe smith
Sophie: Naomi Lewis
Band
Keyboards: David Randall
Woodwinds: Frances Hale
Bass/Drums: Ben Wheeler
Director: Robert McWhir
Lighting: Richard Lambert
Musical Director: David Randall
Choreographer: Cathie Carday
Costumes: Paul Tate
2004-09-08 00:07:38