The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
‘GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING’ PROMISES MUSICAL MAGIC
EAST HADDAM — Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were a well- respected and successful team writing American musical theater, especially during the 1940s and 1950s — the “golden age” of that particular genre.
They are credited with penning such glorious hits as “Oklahoma,” “Carousel,” “South Pacific,” “The King and I” and “The Sound of Music,” as well as the television broadcast of “Cinderella.” Amassing 34 Tony Awards, 15 Academy Awards, two Pulitzer Prizes and two Grammy Awards, Rodgers and Hammerstein created a partnership labeled the greatest of the 20th century.
Although Rodgers originally worked with Lorenz Hart, and Hammerstein partnered with Jerome Kern, they began collaborating on “Oklahoma,” based on Lynn Riggs’ “Green Grow the Lilacs” in 1943, creating what has been termed “a revolution in musical drama.”
To be caught up in the magical moments created by this popular pair, plan to visit the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam until Nov. 28 for a delightful and delicious cabaret “A Grand Night for Singing: A Celebration of Rodgers and Hammerstein,” which is being offered under a giant multi-colored moon, in a palette of colors to match the mood of the music.
These timeless tunes are being reinvented, refreshed and reimagined for this moment, with a new spin and a novel perspective that is sure to engage an audience so anxious to be enjoying live theater once again.
Thanks to director Rob Ruggiero, these old favorites are being redressed in new costumes and attitudes, with romance clearly in the air. The majesty of “This Nearly Was Mine” from “South Pacific” follows the new born joy of “Something Wonderful” from “The King and I,” while the dilemma of “I Cain’t Say No” from “Oklahoma” is paired with “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria” from “The Sound of Music.”
More than 30 songs will be presented. Adam Souza directs the orchestra, while Lainie Sakakura is the choreographer.
For tickets ($29 and up), call the box office at 860-873-8668 or go online to goodspeed.org. Performances are Wednesday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8, Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. (with select performances at 6:30).
Patrons must show their fully vaccinated card and wear a mask. Seating will be socially distanced.
Visualize in your mind pumpkins becoming golden carriages, women washing annoying men out of their hair, and surreys sailing by with fringe on top as the imaginative cast brings you into the incredible musical world of Rodgers and Hammerstein. You may want to dance all night.