Review of Something Musical: Broadway in Concert at the JCC CenterStage

-by Carol White Llewellyn

I’m a fan of musicals, so I wondered how well the songs in Something Musical: Broadway in Concert at JCC Centerstage would come across without the framework of a play.  I need not have been concerned. Between the selection and strength of the songs, and the power of the actors singing them, Something Musical is the ultimate "Broadway tasting." The production marries the old and the new, the joyful and the blue in this musical feast.

One segment celebrates Broadway classics, reaching as far back as 1934 to feature “I Get a Kick Out of You” from Anything Goes, then travels forward in time through favorites from Guys and Dolls (1950), Westside Story (1957), and Mack and Mabel (1974).

Other segments focus on themes such as “This Thing Called…,” “Finding Strength” and “The Musical Drama,” delivering a potpourri of classic and contemporary delights. One segment is filled with character songs giving the actors leeway to stretch their comedic chops. Something Musical also pays tribute to the late, great Stephen Sondheim, with pieces such as “Finishing the Hat” and “Being Alive” that give us a glimpse into the soul of the artist.

Each of the five amazing cast members in Something Musical are not only strong in their own right, their voices blend in delectable harmony.

One of the surprising aspects of the show is that, through a stroke of brilliance, Director Ralph Meranto and Music Director Slade Rosen marry several songs from different plays, showing how well they mesh together, usually in dynamic duets. For example, Alvis Green, Jr. and Scott Schutts weave magic performing “Waving through a Window” from Dear Evan Hanson juxtaposed with “Open a New Window” from Mame.

All of the actor/singers in this production are superb with strong prior theatrical experience and expansive vocal ranges, making every piece a joy.

At the outset of production, Meranto asked each actor to list a number of songs he or she would like to perform, and then he chose two from each person’s wish list to include. Although you may or may not be able to guess each person’s favorites, the overall results of this strategy are actors who clearly love performing the songs in the show.

For example, Jordan Bachmann’s “Bring Him Home,” from Les Miserables is to cry for, it is so beautiful, as is Lani Toyama Hoskins’ “I’d Give My Life for You,” from Miss Saigon.

I had only read the book, and had not heard the music from Bridges of Madison County before, but the scene in which Abby Rice and Jordan Bachmann sing the duet “Before and After You/One Second and a Million Miles” brought the characters’ doomed love affair to life with beautiful anguish and soaring vocals.

Of course, no review of musicals would be complete without a bit of comedy, and for me, it was somewhat of a tie as to who stole the show for laughter… Alvis Green, Jr. with his version of “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat” from Guys and Dolls or Scott Schutts’ “You’ll Be Back” from Hamilton.

The songs are woven together with narrative to provide context, and each piece, whether solo, duet or ensemble number, has a luster all its own, thanks to the talents of this cast and production team.

Something Musical is a sizzling showstopper, delivering a bouquet of Broadway’s best, presented by a gifted group of this region’s finest performers. Catch it at the JCC CenterStage’s Theater now through December 18.

P.S. This would be a fun show for the family, and If you have ,or know students interested in pursuing musical theater, this show is an absolute must-see for them!

Photos by Lou Schneider:

Top: Alvis Green, Jr.

Second Down: Abby Rice

Third Down: Scott Schutts

Bottom: Lani Toyama Hoskins

Intro Photo: Jordan Bachmann and Lani Toyama Hoskins