REVIEW: ‘Why, Oh, Why’ Would You Miss CCM’s “Wonderful Town”

November 22, 2024

In short, if you are a fan of big old-time musicals, this is the show to go to. It has everything needed for a “wonderful” evening of entertainment.

By Alan Jozwiak

The saga of the Sherwood sisters’ desire to find a man and a career is the plot of the musical Wonderful Town, which is being staged this weekend by CCM Musical Theatre. With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, CCM’s version of this musical is full of strong singing, “wonderful” inventive dancing, and lots of wry commentary on living a bohemian lifestyle.

Wonderful Director

This production is director and choreographer Diana Lala’s swan song for CCM, since she will be retiring after 36 years of being on the faculty. Wonderful Town is a “wonderful” way to end her tenure. Lala assembles a strong cast of performers who can both sing and dance.

Leading Ladies in Wonderful Town

The “Why, Oh, Why” in this review’s title references the song “Ohio,” where newly transplanted Ohio sisters Eileen (Makayla Shipe) and Ruth Sherwood (Annalese Fusaro) lament about leaving Columbus, OH for the bustling chaotic energy of mid-1903’s Greenwich Village, NYC. Both leading ladies are graduating seniors and really showcase their talents. From the plaintive longing in “Ohio,” to their spirited “Wrong Note Rag,” these performers are incredibly strong singers who know how to make the most of a song. I’ll note individually the power and dynamics of Fusaro’s “One Hundred Ways” where she bemoans all the ways she can lose a man. Shipe’s “A Little Bit in Love” where she muses about her love life is also noteworthy. Together, these performers offer a pair of believable sisters who stand by each other and are supportive of each other’s efforts.

So Many Good Performances

I would love to highlight all of the good performances within the powerful cast. However, I am going to limit myself to just three of the male characters who are standouts.

In the role of Ruth Sherwood’s love interest Robert (Bob) Baker, Declan Smith gives a strong performance as the gruff opinionated assistant editor of The Mad Hatter. That is the literary magazine where Ruth submits her stories for publication. Smith has a clear singing voice and does an amazing job with his solo song “A Quiet Girl.” Smith is a sophomore, so we will have a few more years to see him deliver worthy performances on stage in the years to come.

Frank Lippencott (Andy Bakun), the bumbling Walgreens manager who has a crush on Eileen is priceless. Bakun plays his role with the right amount of charm and awkwardness. I love his nervous habit of combing his hair once to make certain all the hairs are in place.

Finally, Nick Gundrum scores a touchdown as the loveable off-season football player. Gundrum knows how to deliver the laugh lines and he can carry a song, as with his big number “Pass the Football.” Gundrum is also the dance captain of the production, which means that he maintains the quality standards of all choreography and dance numbers in the show. From the high caliber of the dancing in this production, he does both jobs very well.

The Creative Team

Mark Halpin as Set Designer creates a “wonderfully” evocative setting of brownstones framed on top by a big Greenwich Village sign reminiscent of an old-time postcard. This set helps to invites the audience into the world of these characters. Kudos also for Costume Designer Erin Donnelly who creates the look and feel of 1930s New York City. I loved the zoot suit worn by swing musician Speedy Valenti (Coty Perno). That zoot suit perfectly encapsulates everything you need to know about that character.