Dancing and singing for two-and one-half hours (not counting intermission)? Not nearly enough time to show off the genius of composers George and Ira Gershwin. Still, the Tulsa Ballet’s touring production Friday night succeeded in showing why calling a show Strictly Gershwin is really all one needs to draw an appreciative audience.
The State Theater at Playhouse Square was packed Friday night with dance and song fans who picked Gershwin over numerous other downtown attractions (including a Guardians playoff game). And the audience was encouragingly age-diverse — from the Akron grandparents who felt nostalgic for earlier musical eras to the six-year-old Cleveland girl in glittery pink slippers who danced out after the show.
But enough audience review. (I usually try to avoid doing that — but it was encouraging to find classic Broadway and Hollywood music still treasured.)
The Tulsa Ballet (the tour ensemble included over five dozen dancers plus six more from the Cleveland Ballet) reveled in graceful, often nostalgic, arrangements choreographed by Derke Deane. The program also showcased nimble and rhythmic guest tap dancers. In their hands (or feet) “Fascinating Rhythm” became fascinating indeed.
Four vocalists shared the stage — paired and not — in intermittent appearances both between and during dances. Pianist Andrew Lahti soloed in the Pops version of “Rhapsody in Blue.” The Cleveland Pops Orchestra, conducted by Gareth Valentine (who added his own personal version of sass as he conducted), played onstage.
Scenic and costume designer Roberta Guidi Di Bagno created a moving dreamscape filled with dancers in glitzy, glamourous dress.
The show was, as advertised, all Gershwin and included favorites such as “But Not for Me,” “Summertime,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “I Got Rhythm,” “Strike Up the Band,” “An American in Paris,” and “Rhapsody in Blue.” At times fragments of Gershwin tunes were blended into each other in a unique mixture, but each work got its individual due.
Bottom Line: We got it all — ballet, tap, Broadway, Hollywood, big band era (think Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers) — and plenty of glitz and glamour. Thanks, Oklahoma.