Swing (2009)

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Janice B. Streeter Theatre July 31 – August 2, 2009 {under construction}

[Review posted on NH Theatre Happenings website]

Swing a song!

By Tom Anastasi

The Teen Actorsingers production of Swing is exceptionally
well done. Swing is a 40’s revue show featuring 20 numbers performed by
an incredibly talented cast. There is no story to tie the songs together,
but that doesn’t detract from the entertainment value of the show.

What is remarkable about this show, directed by Tim Stanley,
is its complexity and the fact that there are no weak links. The vocalists
all nailed the solos as well as tricky harmonies. Each soloist had a
different quality to their voice each sang beautifully. The casting was
very well done because the vocal variation never made the show tiresome,
which can happen in a revue show. Audience members will feel as if they’ve
been transported back 65 years and are living in the 1940’s in everything
from the lighting, to the sound, costumes, and even the hair styles.

The true show stealers were the 12 dancers (6 male/female
pairs), who completed complex combinations, lifts and throws seemingly
effortlessly, which is amazing because this cast must have been exhausted
after the show. Finding several strong women dancers is not surprising,
but to have the six male dancers be as strong and graceful and have all 12
work completely as a team was incredible. The audience spontaneously
clapped in the middle of countless songs.

The choreography was very well done with a different look at
feel for each song. Plus the show was off the charts flirty, without being
salacious, which was perfectly well done. Credit to Director Tim Stanley
and Choreographer Theo Martinez for their vision of keeping to the 40’s as
well as their creative decisions, each of which worked.

Henry Kopczynskie’s music band performed flawlessly and was
a joy to listen to and complimented the vocalists perfectly. Rick Brooks
lighting added much to each song. The other standout, besides the dancers,
was costumer Donna Salvioti. She had a completely different look for each
song. The costumes in the show weren’t like 1776 or Disney’s Beauty and the
Beast, where you thought, “that is so difficult.” But each set of costumes,
were in 40’s style and really complimented each individual cast member
perfectly. I am fairly certain that cast members never wore the same thing
twice. Wow!

In short Swing is very entertaining, and exceptionally well
done. Congrats to Tim Stanley and his team. Boogie Woogie, don’t’ walk,
over to Court Street before it closes.