If you’re looking for a small, cerebral play that leaves you trying to figure out the ending on the way home, there are several excellent theaters in the Coachella Valley offering them up.
But if you’re in the mood for an exhilarating, feel-good musical, the way they used to make ’em, CVRep’s Nice Work If You Can Get It is just the ticket.
The show features memorable songs by George and Ira Gershwin and a book by Joe DiPietro, inspired by material from Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse. It was initially produced in 2001 at Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut. After mixed reviews and some re-working, the show opened on Broadway in 2012. It garnered 10 Tony Award nominations and two wins, for Best Featured Actor and Best Featured Actress in a Musical.
The story follows the shallow romantic pursuits of wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter (Hayden Stanes), who is about to be married for the fourth time, to interpretive dancer Eileen Evergreen (Emily Unnasch), the spoiled daughter of a local senator (Jack McGee).
When an inebriated Jimmy meets bootlegger Billie Bendix (Jennifer Knox) outside of a Manhattan speakeasy, she steals his wallet and learns that he has a rarely used summer home on Long Island. She and her cohorts, Cookie McGee (Douglas Graham) and Duke Mahoney (Brett Cole Young), head there to store some of their illegal booze.
Once the other colorful characters arrive on the scene, the fun really begins. There’s Duchess Estonia Dulworth (Cathy Newman), an avid Prohibitionist who’s a softy underneath it all; Chief Berry (Tim Ewing), a cop who’s on the hunt for illicit hooch; Jeannie (Rachel Kay), a chorus girl searching for love; and in a scene-stealing cameo at the end of the show, the fabulous Joyce Bulifant as Jimmy’s mother, Millicent.
It’s hard to go wrong with the music of the Gershwin brothers. Nice Work features some of their classics, including “’S Wonderful,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “But Not for Me,” “Fascinating Rhythm” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” CVRep’s production uses pre-recorded tracks, which work well in general, although the track on the opening song was a bit loud and nearly drowned out the singers. That was remedied by the second musical number.
Special mention must be made of the choreography and the dancing in this production—both are superb. Kudos to choreographer David Eggers (also the show’s director) and dance captain Luke Rands (also a member of the ensemble). I saw the show with a former Las Vegas dancer who was duly impressed.
The 17-member cast here is top-notch across the board. Eggers chose a talented group of pros and molded them into a near-flawless ensemble.
In the lead roles, Hayden Stanes and Jennifer Knox are terrific. Tall, dark and handsome, Stanes is perfectly cast as the rich, slightly shallow Jimmy, a bon vivant who has real trouble committing to a relationship. Knox is outstanding as Billie. Petite, adorable and feisty, she exudes the perfect balance of street smarts and vulnerability. Both have excellent singing voices and are strong dancers.
As Jimmy’s fiancée, Eileen, Emily Unnasch is a hoot. Her glorious soprano and comic skills are both on display in “Delishious,” and her overly dramatic interpretive dance moves are priceless.
In a production of this quality, it’s hard to say that any actor steals the show, but the one who comes closest is local favorite Douglas Graham, as Cookie McGee. Graham treats us to his usual strong vocals and sharp dance moves, but it’s his comedic chops that really stand out. His timing and one-liners in the wedding-luncheon scene are reminiscent of a good Carol Burnett sketch.
Tim Ewing makes the most of a supporting role as Chief Berry, with a few of his own comic zingers and some lovely singing. Rachel Kay (Jeannie) and Brett Cole Young (Duke) have some nice moments with their own burgeoning romance.
Cathy Newman’s Duchess is spot-on. Properly imperious initially, the character later lets us in on her secret longing for love; her hilarious “Looking for a Boy” stops the show. Jack McGee does a fine job as Senator Max. He’s a no-nonsense guy who loves his daughter, but he is also a bit relieved to finally get her married off.
When film and TV veteran (and valley resident) Joyce Bulifant makes her entrance as Jimmy’s mother at the show’s climax, the audience bursts into applause. A true pro, she’s delivers some of the show’s best comic lines with pizazz. The ensemble of dancers and singers are excellent as well.
The only glitch in the preview I saw was during Billie’s poignant song “But Not for Me.” When she moved out of the spotlight, it did not follow; she was singing on a dark section of the stage with the spotlight focusing on … nothing. It happened a couple of times during the number, but I’m sure that will be rectified in future performances.
CVRep’s Nice Work If You Can Get It is sensational. It’s a big Broadway musical that will leave you smiling and humming as you leave the theater. Don’t miss it.
Nice Work If You Can Get It will be performed at 7 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday; and 2 p.m., Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, through Sunday, April 28, at the CVRep Playhouse, 68510 E. Palm Canyon Drive, in Cathedral City. Tickets are $87, and the running time is about 2 1/2 hours, with one 20-minute intermission. For tickets or more information, call 760-296-2966, or visit www.cvrep.org.
