Quick Hit Theater Review: The Wonderful Wizard of Song

The Wonderful Wizard of Song: The Music of Harold Arlen
Starring the 3 Crooners
Featuring Antoinette Henry
Original Concept by Same Arlen, George Bugatti and Nigel Wright
Written by George Bugatti
Directed by Gene Castle (who also provides musical staging)
Presented by Yellow Brick Productions in association with Shea Arender, Steve Colucci and Jerry Rosenberg
St. Luke's Theatre

What's it All About?
The music of Harold Arlen -- the guy who wrote the tunes for 31 movie musicals including "The Wizard of Oz."  The 3 Crooners (George Bugatti, Marcus Goldhaber and Joe Shepherd) along with a really terrific Antoinette Henry sing some 25 songs accompanied on piano (Andrew Smithson, musical direction) and offer some history and background in between.  There are a bunch of favorites, like "Get Happy," "Accentuate the Positive," "Paper Moon," "Stormy Weather," "That Old Black Magic," and of course "Over the Rainbow," which wraps up a nice medley of Oz tunes. Video projections add some nice glimpses into Arlen's life and home movies (Josh Iacovelli, set design; Marc Heller, sound design).

What are the highights?
It's an entertaining, just-under-90-minute revue of some great songs. The dialogue doesn't overshadow, but seems to accent the presentation. Henry is the vocal standout here, giving a moving rendition of "Blues in the Night" and looking fabulous in Amy Pedigo-Otto's costuming. Instrumental arrangement of the songs by Steve Rawlings, Arty Schroeck and Chris Hoffman is pleasing on the ear.

What are the Lowlights?
Some of the harmonies could use some work.

More information:
The Wonderful Wizard of Song is a labor of love for Bugatti who has written, directed and performed in the various versions of the show all over the country. Recently, Bugatti starred with The Rochester Symphony in "Over The Rainbow" produced by Todd Gershwin and Dan Chilewich. George is also co-founder, along with Sam Arlen, of The Harold Arlen Foundation/American Songbook Foundation.

Performances: Mondays at 7 pm, Wednesdays at 2 pm and Thursdays at 8 pm. Tickets: $69.50 and $39.50: www.Telecharge.com; 212-239-6200. More info: www.thewonderfulwizardofsong.com.

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-- No content notes. Enjoy.