Rodgers and Hammerstein created some of the greatest musicals to hit the Broadway stage in the 1940’s and 1950’s. “Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music” are classics that live on today. Hammerstein wrote the book for each story as well as the lyrics and Rodgers created some of the best-known music to accompany the songs. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing” at Act II Playhouse is running the show which was adapted for the stage as a musical review by Walter Bobbie. I thought it would be good since I knew so many of the songs. It exceeded my expectations. With the direction and choreography by Stephen Casey, it was outstanding.
Three women and two men perform parts of the many songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein. But they don’t just perform, they act out the songs. Though dialogue wasn’t added to this show, the body language and facial expressions tell it all. Along with the dance numbers, you can enjoy this show even without the music. And as for the music, what can I say? Over 30 songs in 90 minutes- it was GRAND!
I sat in my seat singing along in my head with the singers as I knew the lyrics to so many of the songs. I surprised myself in how much I remembered from movie versions of the shows that I saw sixty years ago. But the performance did another thing for me as I sat watching and listening. I paid close attention to the lyrics. They pose many profound questions that we have all contemplated. You will see each song in a new light.
The themes of insecurity, sincerity, honesty, and of course love, as well as lack of love prevail. I’m not going to begin to name the emotional impact of the lyrics that I didn’t realize when watching them in the larger musical productions with all that was going on.
On top of that, you could hear every word of every song on Act II’s intimate stage without amplification because of the gentle accompaniment on the piano of Dan Matarazzo.
Casey’s direction and choreography, as I’ve already noted, was brilliant. Kevin Toniazzo-Naughton’s booming bass voice was powerful. Renee McFillin’s movement and facial expressions as well as her singing are enough reasons to attend. The whole ensemble was remarkable.
Don’t look on this as simply an homage to Rodgers & Hammerstein. Go because it will make you sing and feel and laugh as you watch this fantastic show.
Note: Among the songs are “I Can’t Say No, Many a New Day, Shall We Dance, The Gentleman is a Dope, Don’t Marry Me, That’s the Way it Happens, Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?, Love, Look Away, A Hundred Million Miracles, This Nearly Was Mine”
“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing” adapted by Walter Bobbie” at Act II Playhouse, 56 E. Butler Avenue., Ambler, PA 19002, 215-654-0200, act2.org thru June 29, 2025
Philadelphia Theater Reviews by Frank Burd 