Changes were more frequent than in a maternity ward nursery but with a dazzling display of costumery, lighting often simply refused to cooperate and many of the cast handled more roles than a Companion baker, but the New Jewish Theatre has a winner with "Last of the Red Hot Mamas," which opened last night at the JCC and will delight through Dec. 26.
A new and original musical, written by Tony Parise and Karin Baker, directed and choreographed by Parise, is a view of the life of Sophie Tucker, a premier singer on stage and in the movies for the first half of the 20th century, whose billing often was the show's title. Born in Connecticut to parents who emigrated from Russia, she was a belter and comic who made fun of her size in jokes and songs.
"If you can't hide it, decorate it," she often said, wriggling her massive bosom as an exclamation mark.
Parise uses three actresses as Sophie. Christy Simmons is the leader, serving as a narrator and portraying the older Sophie, though she occasionally veers away and becomes one of the others. Parise's writing is solid, but he sometimes seems unsure about the dividing lines in her life. Clayton High School senior Phoebe Raileanu, in her non-school theatrical debut, is the young Sophie, stiff and obviously unsure in the early going, but as she warmed up and became more comfortable, she scored in the role. Johanna Elkana-Hale is excellent as the middle Sophie, but Parise often gives her middle-child syndrome. All three actresses are first-rate vocalists.
Since the play covers about 40 years, several husbands and worldwide travels, multiple casting and an amazing number of costume changes are a necessity, and designer Michele Friedman Siler and her staff did incredible and highly effective work. John Flack, for example, plays six different characters, including Tucker's father and Flo Ziegfeld, in addition to time in the ensemble, and must make several dozen costume changes during the show. Troy Turnipseed and Keith Parker each play five plus ensemble appearances, and backstage must sometimes appear as if three whirling dervishes are dressing and undressing. Turnipseed, whose long legs make him look and move a bit like Tommy Tune, is very effective.
Elise LaBarge, a lively soprano, shows off splendidly as Nora Bayes, a rival singer, and as Lillian Russell (look out for the hat), and Ekana-Hale turns up as Eva Tanguay. Marty Casey also sparkles as Molly, who was Tucker's long-time maid and confidant,and she does a bit as Bert Williams. Laura Ackermann is sympathetic and sentimental as Tucker's mother.
Music director Henry Palkes also led the musical trio (Scott Alberici on clarinet, Jay Hungerford on bass) and was an impressive accompanist to the singers. And he
steps away from the piano to portray Ted Shapiro, Tucker's long-time accompanist, and also Irving Berlin.
"Last of the Red Hot Mamas" certainly is the most ambitious production in the theater's 14-year history, with scenic designer Dunsi Dai building a proscenium in the black box theater. Parise's direction and choreography are spot-on and highly enjoyable, with plenty of humor and 36 often-familiar songs. "If Your Kisses Can't Hold the Man You Love, Your Tears Won't Bring Him Back" and "After You've Gone" are Simmons' high spots, Elkhana-Hale sparkled in "Oh, Johnny" and "Hard-Hearted Hannah" and Raileanu scored with "Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey."
Parise's direction is fast-paced and high-spirited, but after Tucker's mother's death, everything sinks into a sodden, sentimental swamp, and then the play stops. No closing number, just a sudden end, as if Parise realized he was past his bedtime.
Last of the Red Hot Mamas, a New Jewish Theatre production, will be on stage at the Jewish Community Centers through Dec. 26
—Joe
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Wonderfully positive review for NJT’s Last Red Hot Mamma! Do u have your ticket?