If you think that musicals are only outsize, outlandish spectacles hatched on Broadway, The It Girl deftly shows that there are other options. This small show was created in 2001 at the York Theater--located in a church's ... more »basement, it's as close as you get to a barn in New York City. Loosely based on the 1927 Clara Bow vehicle It, the show gleefully runs through all the 1920s classic situations and characters: chases, flappers, mistaken identities, a boat cruise, a department-store heir, and fake French accents?it's all there. You can almost hear the ghost of P.G. Wodehouse, librettist for the Gershwins' Jazz Age classics, cheering. The It Girl breezes through thanks to its cast's game can-do energy and the strength of Paul McKibbins and B.T. McNicholl's perky tunes, which deploy nice melodic resources and make the most of a six-piece band. There's enough knowing pastiche here to keep the saccharine at bay, but the creative team also shows genuine resource and love for musicals as a genre. --Elisabeth Vincentelli« less
If you think that musicals are only outsize, outlandish spectacles hatched on Broadway, The It Girl deftly shows that there are other options. This small show was created in 2001 at the York Theater--located in a church's basement, it's as close as you get to a barn in New York City. Loosely based on the 1927 Clara Bow vehicle It, the show gleefully runs through all the 1920s classic situations and characters: chases, flappers, mistaken identities, a boat cruise, a department-store heir, and fake French accents?it's all there. You can almost hear the ghost of P.G. Wodehouse, librettist for the Gershwins' Jazz Age classics, cheering. The It Girl breezes through thanks to its cast's game can-do energy and the strength of Paul McKibbins and B.T. McNicholl's perky tunes, which deploy nice melodic resources and make the most of a six-piece band. There's enough knowing pastiche here to keep the saccharine at bay, but the creative team also shows genuine resource and love for musicals as a genre. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
CD Reviews
Definitive Album of ITs Genre
yvettelm | New York | 10/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You can hear wonderfully subtle touches in this excellent, incredibly well-crafted cast recording -- a banjo and a violin give it an authentic, period sound. The tuneful, charming melodies and clever, witty lyrics will appeal to people of all ages (my 3-yr old immediately picked up "Step Into Their Shoes" and demands that it be played over and over!), and the songs are full of joy and innocence. Just what we need more of in this day and age!"
This show is "How Do You Say...?" (Ah, yes) AMAZINGLY GREAT!
Matty | 03/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This show has a STELLAR cast! The cast is relatively small, only consisting of three men and four women. The music is original and REALLY clever (and based in the 1920s...GREAT TIME)! I listen to this cast album MORE than any other (and I have A LOT of cast albums)! Some of the MOST appealing tracks are "A Perfect Plan," "Coney Island" and "Step Into Their Shoes"! This would be A GREAT show for small theatres or small companies of actors! You'll be glad you bought this cast album after you take the time to listen to it all the way through at least once. You'll find a few songs you like and listen to those OVER and OVER. Two weeks later you'll find a few more songs you like and do the same! ... This is an A+ show!"
Wonderful show with great music and lyrics
ctyankee36 | Washington, DC | 10/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My family loved this show. Our eight year old son kept singing the songs and humming the tunes. He even wanted to listen to it at bedtime. Very catchy lyrics with tunes that keep your feet tapping. The show is full of songs that continually creep into your mind during the day. I often found myself humming a tune or two over and over. Highly recommend."
WOW!
ctyankee36 | 10/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard someone mention this CD so I checked it out. I'm always ready to try something new. IT's great! The music is so much fun, you can't help but tap your toes. I also found myself humming the music on the train. It's fast paced, never dull and a good story. There is one song, Coney Island that really makes you feel like you are there, and hey, I've never been there, but I feel like I have now. This is a feel good CD. Puts a smile on your face. The lyrics are really smart. You wonder why people don't write like this anymore.
The singers are top notch. I hope they run this show again soon because I'd like to see it."
At Last!
D | NY | 10/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this great little show when it was at the York and I was hoping there would be a cast recording, because a show like this one deserves a CD! The music is terrific. While listening to this CD, you fell like you're back in the roaring 20's, but still have a foot in the present - what fun!!! Jean Louisa Kelly is a star and one to watch. The quality of the recording is top notch and the graphics are eye catching. Order this baby!!!"
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1