'Century' turns on flimsy narrative
"Turn of the Century" wants to go to Broadway.
And it has a pedigree that all but guarantees it will get there. There's the score comprised of 20th-century standards and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the award-winning duo responsible for "Jersey Boys," who have a definite flair for quips. Nine-time Tony Award winner Tommy Tune, who knows how to create a pretty stage picture, directs a cast that includes film star Jeff Daniels as its likably roguish leading man and the marvelous Rachel York - a powerhouse singer with a voice as smooth and lush as fine cognac - as its likably neurotic leading lady. It also has Chicago-area veterans Kevin Gudahl and Rebecca Finnegan providing sure and steady support in the secondary roles.
Goodman Theatre's pricey production looks lovely thanks to Walt Spangler (who designed the sleek minimalist set and a couple of sumptuous pieces that transform it), Dona Granata (responsible for the gorgeous period costumes that literally sparkle) and Natasha Katz (who designed the show's whimsical, pretty lighting).
The show also sounds great. Credit for that rests with music director Michael Biagi, orchestrator Steve Orich and arranger Daryl Waters. who've boldly combined some tunes (Gershwin's "Summertime" gets paired with Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer") and re-imagined others ("As Time Goes By" is recast as a soft-shoe shuffle).
All of which points to "Turn of the Century" snagging a coveted spot on Broadway. But for all that, it's unlikely this jukebox show - a pleasant enough diversion, but a diversion only - will secure a place in the American musical theater canon.
The premise is actually kind of fun. Struggling New York City chanteuse Dixie Wilson (the impeccable York), whose dismal romantic life is exceeded only by her lackluster career, is invited by socialite Phyllis Wexler (Rachel de Benedet), wife of record producer Manny (Ron Orbach), to sing at their swanky New Year's 1999 party. There she runs into the caddish piano player Billy Clark (Daniels), with whom she recently shared a one-night stand. At the stroke of midnight, the duo slips through a rip in the fabric of time and winds up at a swanky New Year's 1899 party thrown by songwriter Harry Van Deusen (the ever reliable Gudahl) and his photographer wife Lily (de Benedet). After wowing the crowd with Irving Berlin's "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (underchoreographed, like much of the show) - a song not yet written in 1900 - Dixie and Billy realize that by stealing the greatest hits of the 20th century, they can enjoy the success that eluded them in their own era.
The problem with the show, and there are several, is that in offering snippets in place of complete songs, "Turn of the Century" shortchanges many of the tunes it purports to celebrate. The show most delights when it fully embraces the music. And that's especially true when York is front and center. Her merry take on the jazzy "Twisted" - a sly sendup of psychiatry written by 1950s trio Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks and Annie Ross - and her torchy, powerhouse version of Ann Ronell's "Willow Weep for Me" earn high marks. The same can't be said for the ill-conceived number that finds the scantily clad Floradora Sextet undermining the feminist anthem "I Am Woman," which succeeds as a political statement but can hardly be counted among the greatest songs of the 20th century.
The narrative is flimsy (one-liners wrapped around cliches do not a good book make). The change of heart Daniels' character experiences rings false. And the ending feels rushed, as if Brickman and Elice ran out of time to craft a coherent conclusion. Celebrating American standards is a noble goal; unfortunately the show doesn't quite achieve it.
"Turn of the Century"
2½ stars (out of four)
Location: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
Times: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 2; also 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 and 14
Running time: About 100 minutes, no intermission
Tickets: $25-$82
Parking: Paid lots nearby
Box office: (312) 443-2800 or goodmantheatre.org
Rating: Suitable for teens an older, one instance of profanity