Broadway Musical Review : Nice Work If You Can Get It

     Last night, Lewis and I attended "Nice Work If You Can Get It", which was a wonderful and greatly-funny show.  These are the kinds of shows that Broadway needs!  (Or, at least, I think so).  I mean, that's what they're known for.  Certainly, there are dramas and modern interpretations done with the song style of Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber, but nothing competes with the immense positive energy or toe-tapping rhythms of song/dance musicals like this.  Even if it didn't garner many TONY awards, you could tell that the actors were having fun with their medley of Gershwin songs.

     [When we got to our seats, one of the ushers took the time to stop and really compliment my outfit: lavender jacket/socks/cufflinks, white trousers, spectator shoes and madras bow tie.  Lewis decided to wear a simpler ensemble and make his new Pradas the exclamation point!]  
     The score was an amalgamation of Gerswhin tunes (some standards, some forgotten--but each a gem)--all brought together under a new script.  The orchestra was superb.  The arrangements were lush, swinging, and jazzy.
     It seemed like the kind of show where the cast was REALLY having fun.  They were authentically bright-eyed, and they had to try so many times to hold back their true laughter during the zany stunts and funny lines.  It reminded me of how guests behaved on the "Dean Martin Show" (watch it on Youtube) or "Who's Line Is It Anyhow", where the camera catches how performers burst out laughing at each other because of how funny things were.  
     When the drunken aunt leaped onto the chandelier--swinging frantically and dangling her legs--you could see Matthew Broderick and the butler exchange glances and really start to laugh.  When Broderick tried to cough during a pretend case of sickness, it made the leading lady turn to hide her laughter several times.  And when one male dancer did a prancing leap that ended in a spread-leg split on the floor, another dancer actually gave him an out-loud compliment, as if the move was something new (or maybe he just realized that his coworker was somebody fun to go on a date with!!)
     The body language and facial reactions in that very animated production were real art.  Broadway actors must have tremendous energy to do their shows perfectly several times each week!  But the most important part, that the audience can tell--and which is contagious, is the fun synergy shared by the musicians and cast.  (The open bar in the back of the house, like Radio City Music Hall, helped, too).  Aside from the 25 songs, the way things unfolded during the show were truly entertaining.  The bathtub scene, where chorus girls & boys continued to "pop" out, as the song progressed, and the luncheon scene were hysterical.  Even as we all left the theatre--tourists, Manhattanites, and suburbanites--people were still humming or singing the music... always a great sign!  I hope the show continues to delight audiences for many seasons to come, representing Broadway's jovial side and being a positive influence.