Cast, score standouts in Goodman's 'Wonderful Town'

Jaunty and effervescent, Leonard Bernstein's score crosses genres, incorporating swing, Broadway and modern classical along with Irish and Latin music. The composer also tips his hat to ragtime, vaudeville and cowboy music. The result is a rich, varied score that theatergoers have few opportunities to hear.

The 1953 musical based on Joseph A. Fields and Jerome Chodorov's play #8220;My Sister Eileen#8221; #8212; which was inspired by author/journalist Ruth McKenney's short stories #8212; isn't often revived.

When it is, it's not typically played by an orchestra the size of the one Goodman Theatre assembled for its gorgeous revival. Whatever it cost Goodman for the 17-piece orchestra and the 26-person cast was money well spent.

Much of #8220;Wonderful Town's#8221; appeal is its score, which features Betty Comden and Adolph Green's characteristically witty lyrics. Conductor Ben Johnson and his ensemble hooked me with the overture. Director Mary Zimmerman and music director Doug Peck's fine cast #8212; particularly leading ladies Lauren Molina and Bria Sudia #8212; charmed me throughout.

Genuine affection underscores this production, which opens with a whirlwind tour of New York City's Greenwich Village, a bohemian neighborhood that assorted painters, poets, dancers and musicians call home.

Into this enclave come Ruth Sherwood (showstopper Sudia, a gifted actress and singer in her Goodman debut) and her sister Eileen (Molina, a sweet-sounding soprano with a quick comic sense). The Ohio natives have left their provincial hometown to pursue careers in New York City. Brainy Ruth is a writer looking to get her stories published. Charmer Eileen is an aspiring actress looking for a break. While Ruth struggles to convince magazine editor Robert Baker (Karl Hamilton) to publish her work, Eileen fends off handsy producers and collects suitors. Among them is drugstore manager Frank (a nicely nervous Wade Elkins) and reporter Chick (a slightly shady Steven Strafford).

Misadventures ensue. One involves an awkward dinner party deliciously portrayed in #8220;Conversation Piece.#8221; Another results in a near riot involving Brazilian sailors and a conga line. That lands innocent Eileen in jail, where she effortlessly wraps the officers around her little finger.

Of course there are romantic snafus and misunderstandings. But true love prevails for the women and their colorful neighbors, Helen (Kristin Villanueva) and her dim but likable boyfriend Wreck (Jordan Brown).

The problem with #8220;Wonderful Town#8221; rests mainly with its frothy book. Snappy wisecracks from Fields and Chodorov notwithstanding, the book consists of head-scratching scenes contrived mainly to introduce paper-thin, wacky characters and place them in wacky situations. It's also hopelessly outdated. The objectification of women and the suggestion that a woman must downplay her talent and intelligence to get a man is cringe-worthy.

Yet, there's no denying how lovely Goodman's revival sounds. And it looks just as good thanks to Todd Rosenthal's fresh, attractive set (inspired by a design by graphic artist Steven Duncan) and Ana Kuzmanic's sunny period costumes. I detected an homage to Jerome Robbins (who created the iconic choreography for Bernstein's #8220;West Side Story#8221;) in Alex Sanchez's superb work. Jazzy and explosive, Sanchez's choreography also reflects a sense of fun. That's on ample display in dance numbers that bookend the show: the brilliant #8220;Christopher Street,#8221; which introduces us to this #8220;Town,#8221; and the exuberant #8220;Swing!#8221;

Speaking of fun, Zimmerman injects plenty into this production. It's underscored by a palpable cheerfulness and the director's trademark whimsy, evidenced by miniature trains, planes and automobiles and a giant, crowd-pleasing roach. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

Goodman deserves praise for this splendid revival. But I expect the production will be remembered for Sudia, whose performance marks this actress as a force to be reckoned with.

“Wonderful Town”

★ ★ ★

<b>Location:</b> Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, (312) 443-3800 or <a href="http://GoodmanTheatre.org">GoodmanTheatre.org</a>

<b>Showtimes:</b> 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; through Oct. 23. Also 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4. No 2 p.m. show Saturday, Sept. 24, or Oct. 13; no 8 p.m. show Oct. 9

<b>Tickets:</b> $25-$103

<b>Running time:</b> Two hours 40 minutes, with intermission

<b>Parking:</b> $22 (with Goodman validation) at the Government Center Self Park at Lake and Clark streets

<b>Rating:</b> For most audiences; includes some innuendo that may slip past younger audience members