‘S Wonderful, the new musical featuring over 42 songs by the Gershwin Brothers is Wonderful with a big “S” which stands for sensational. If you appreciate award winning songs performed by super talented singers, who can dance and act, then this is the musical for you.
‘S Wonderful takes the audience on a journey through time bringing to life the great songs that the Gershwin brothers wrote. This musical starts in present day and sets the tone for what was about to come. A journey of love through the ages, with 5 mini-musicals and each having its own unique story about love.
The journey of love expressed by music and story took us to New York in the 1920’s, to Paris in the 30’s, to Hollywood in the 40’s, to New Orleans in the 50’s and to present day. The many faces of love included such mini-themes as: Boy falls for girl, to ” happily ever after”, boy leaves girl, romantic fantasy and healing that most people can relate to at one point or another in their life. Although each mini story line was great, it was the music and dancing that deeply engaged the audience and created a multitude of sensations.
There were so many things that were exceptional about this musical. It is so refreshing to see simple, yet a profound use of the stage and instruments. No high tech, only great live music and visually supportive sets on stage.
I can’t say enough about the acting company (Kaitlynn Kleinman, Kyle Erickson Hewitt, Jenny Hintze, Jenn Taber, Toby Yatso) who dazzled the audience with one great performance after another singing such great songs as I Got Rhythm, Summertime, It Ain’t Necessarily So, Strike Up The Band, Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, Love is Here To Stay, plus many others.
This is a musical that all ages can enjoy: from the great music of George and Ira Gershwin to the appreciation of the fabulous singing, dancing and acting, to the universal language for all of us – LOVE.
Phoenix Theatre:
‘S Wonderful’
When: December 12 through Sunday January 6.
Where: Phoenix Theatre, 100 East McDowell
Admission: $25.00 – $70.00
Details: 602-254-2152, phoenixtheatre.com
