‘S Wonderful: The New Gershwin Musical at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre really is wonderful. OCT’s production is as elegant and vibrant as the luscious Gershwin music it showcases.
“Giancarlo has assembled a cast of five bright, young actors who have an astonishing range of vocal and dance skills. They are all accomplished performers and it is a pleasure to watch them create distinct characters as the onstage skits unfold.
Musical director John Taylor is onstage, presiding over a grand piano. Taylor is a skilled performer on his own and his accomplished accompaniment to the many Gershwin styles is absolutely breathtaking.
Kerri Lea Robbins designed the astonishingly detailed and lovely costumes, true to each era. Craig Hudson’s spare and elegant set is set off by Kody Johnson’s nostalgic projections establishing time and place — everything from news headlines to the skyline of Paris to the iconic entrance to Paramount Studios.” – Roberta Kent – Daily Tidings
“The title says it all. The Oregon Cabaret Theatre’s latest production, ‘S Wonderful, is just that.
It’s impossible to overstate the many delights — the rambunctious dancing and garishly funny costumes in “By Strauss,” the smooth transitions that blend “Somebody From Somewhere” and “Somebody Loves Me” into, seemingly, a single song, the absurdly comic outfits and use of tableau in “Nobody But You.” And yet another song, “I Got Rhythm,” is done without vocals, with a trio of actors sitting at imaginary typewriters, finger tapping out the rhythm on their air-typewriters while tap dancing in their chairs.
Director Jim Giancarlo’s creative and energetic choreography helps make the Gershwins’ catalogue of truly memorable songs even more wonderful.” – Lee Juillerat, Herald & News
“‘S Wonderful is like a sumptuous banquet. It titillates the senses, it’s all good.
The show is a perfect fit for OCT, with five singer-dancer-actors and a grand piano on a set done up as a proscenium-stage from the Vaudeville era. The piano is played with verve throughout by the redoubtable John Taylor, who never misses a beat.” – Bill Varble, Medford Mail Tribune
Patron comments:
“A wonderful evening, starting with an outstanding dinner followed by a Broadway quality performance. It far exceeded our expectations. Thank you!”
“Fabulous show. Very polished and seamless. A one of a kind jewel.”
Table seating on tiered levels on main floor and balcony of beautifully restored church building; dinner, brunch, starters, desserts, wine, beer and beverages available.
Tickets: $20-$37. Online at www.oregoncabaret.com or call 541-488-2902
