Among the many shining qualities that distinguish Savion Glover and Tony Goldwyn’s production of this cheeky jazz musical: Chez Joey In the arena, let’s first talk about Our Sal Secca. DC Theater audiences were lucky to have her, and the award-winning actress found an excellent showcase for her sublime voice and acting skills as the show’s Steel Magnolia, Linda English.
The name remains the same in this spirited reimagining of the 1940 Rodgers & Hart hit. pal joeyLinda, a diva who has just moved to Chicago from South Carolina, finds herself in a love triangle with smooth-talking club entertainer Joey Evans (Miles Frost), who also becomes romantically involved with her wealthy benefactor, Bella Simpson (Samantha Massell).
Frost won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his thrilling portrayal of Michael Jackson in the film. M.J.brought his own brilliant talents to the role famously created on Broadway by Gene Kelly and played by Frank Sinatra in the 1957 film. Frost’s irresistible Joey, with his flirtatious charm, moves to the beat of jazz, a key characteristic determined by the production’s innovative co-director, choreographer and “orchestral scholar” Glover.
Despite clearly having put a lot of effort into coordinating the cast’s every tap, step, and stomp as musical percussion, Glover still allows the entire ensemble to dance freely and at ease. After all, we’re at Lucille’s, a jazz club in Chicago’s historically black Bronzeville neighborhood.
Lucille (Angela Hall, excellent) and her club may still be recovering from the Great Depression, but hope is in the air, and no one is more hopeful about the future than Joey. And no one dances as freely as Frost on that stage. Jumping from tabletop to piano, the eye-catching performance of “Where or When” radiates hope and enthusiasm.
There’s a dark side to Joey, too, explored sombrely but vividly in a second-act interlude that’s a tap interpretation of modern dance and bad-boy blues. His pain and inner suffering are perhaps better addressed in a snappy new book by the show’s Richard LaGravenese.
While maintaining a certain ’40s wholesomeness, the script shapes these characters as grown adults, especially in its depiction of Joey and Bella’s business relationship. But in the plot and Mussell’s performance, one wishes Vera would have played a more prominent role in the tug-of-war for Joey’s heart, where Linda is almost entirely in control.
And thanks to costume designer Emilio Sosa, when the songbird had to show up in a fuck-you dress to die for, she and the dress responded perfectly. It’s not a given that the entire cast looks this sexy and period-appropriate and has wardrobes that work this well.
Neither is an adventurous arrangement of a familiar score (jazz musician and composer Victor Gould serves as musical director) designed to reflect the new jazz sounds that animate Joey’s dreams. The tense band on stage, led by pianist Lafayette Harris Jr., caresses every line and syncopation in an improvised bebop style, leaving some of the Lucille’s participants begging for more melody.
Anticipating that the hep sound of this show might be considered too adventurous for some, Chez Joey Provides a free-spirited balance of jazz and A rich, old-fashioned standard. If you want “My Funny Valentine” served straight to you, this is the place. If you want “My Heart Stood Still” with a twist, you’ll also enjoy this. Of course, Secca’s Linda English can sing it all, does it beautifully, and even throws in some nice bubble-voiced jingles for the radio.
Chez Joey (★★★★☆) runs through March 15 at Arena Stage, 1101 6th St. SW. Tickets range from $83 to $143, with discount options available. Call 202-488-3300 or visit: arenastage.org.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
