Come Fly, Indeed!

As I took my seat for “Come Fly With Me,” the Alliance Theater’s first production of the 2009-2010 season, I had no idea what to expect.  All I knew was that it was a musical combination of Frank Sinatra, Twyla Tharp, and romance.  To paraphrase a popular movie character, they “had me” from musical! Of course, I knew who Frank Sinatra was, I could even sing a couple of his songs.  But let’s just say, I don’t exactly have him on my Ipod.  Over the course of the hour-and-forty-five-minutes, however, I became a true fan.  How impressive that one man could have such an extensive body of music, that it could be used to depict the gamut of emotions that one encounters on the rollercoaster ride of love.  On this stage, we get to witness an initial encounter, a lovers’ quarrel, a jealous rage, and the most intimate of moments. 

Although the Sinatra songbook provides the musical soundtrack for this production, this is NOT a period piece.  Enter Twyla Tharp, whom I only became aware of recently when she was honored by the Kennedy Center.  I was impressed then—I am floored now.  Thanks to reality television, ballroom dancing is in style.  But even if it weren’t, Ms. Tharp could have singlehandedly resurrected the art form.  Dancing is always impressive to those of us who aren’t able, but the physicality of these moves takes it to the next level.  The ensemble changes moods and partners with ease and fluidity—never lacking chemistry and never missing a beat.  The dancing is frenetic at times, but it is always beautiful and usually awesome.  The highlights were the fabulous Karine Plantadit who plays a woman with choices to make.  Also, Charlie Neshyba-Hodges dazzles us as a man who falls head over heels right from the beginning.  The contemporary feel of the dancing actually underscores the timelessness of the music—proof positive that the appeal of a classic never fades.

As romances go, CFWM is a different ride for those accustomed to the typical format where a couple of distinguishable characters meet, face some random obstacle, and end up walking into the sunset.  Initially, I was trying to keep characters straight and storylines together.  About halfway through, I decided that how things ended just didn’t matter.  This was truly a case where the journey meant more than the destination.

If you are looking for a love story where “boy meets girl,” go see a movie.  If you want to fall in love yourself with Love (and Sinatra, and dance, and big band music), then see “Come Fly With Me”…and prepare to soar!

Comments

[Ms. J. Green]

You are a wonder! Great review! I can't wait to get back to the Alliance with you and we can, again review a good musical together! You were born for this kind of work!!!