Fired, retired, lonely and lost, a group of strangers collide on the steps of Freedom Place in DC and together step into song. Not just any random drum and guitar charade, but a soulful concoction of the best of Irving Berlin (“White Christmas”, “There’s No Business Like Show Business”) and Harold Arlen (“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, “Stormy Weather”).
As Arlen & Berlin Occupy the Fringe! strolls through a classic, American (and classy American) songbook, I found myself happy to stroll along. Weary from a long weekend running to and fro through the Fringe, I came out smiling, surprisingly lighthearted and warmed. What a way to end my day.
With 5 singers (accompanied by Saxophonist Marshall Keys and Pianist Stanley J. Thurston), constantly stretching their vocal chords, every now and then a pitch issue pops up, but that’s about my only criticism. The talking is minimal. But the topics raised are as timeless as the songs.
Placed in the milieu of the recent Occupy Movement, the songs remind how love (lost or never found), wealth, war, and work affect everyone, regardless of origin, race, gender, sexual preference, age or even place in time: the crowds Arlen and Berlin wrote for in the 1930s may as well be the same today.
Each artists’ distinct voice enriches the ensemble. Gregory Stuart’s “Heat Wave” is fun. Leslie Vincent’s jazzy voice kills it every time. Lewis Freeman’s baritone warms sadder, slower tunes. Tammy Robert’s “Slumming on Park Ave.” sets an ambitious tone and high standard as the kick-off to the whole production, which is polished, poised, well choreographed and nicely staged—minimal props and great angles.
But it’s Pam Ward’s voice that steals the show. Her “Stormy Weather” washes over the audience, who gave her much deserved “Woos!” on the closing note. She stands alone, dead center, as she tackles “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”—allowing it the full spotlight befitting one of our most beloved songs.
And by ‘our’, I mean America. And America, for better or worse, is celebrated honestly. Tough times may be upon this country and everyone in it, but I can’t help but smile throughout Arlen & Berlin Occupy the Fringe!. Especially by the time “Get Happy” hits. I’m toe-tapping without realizing it.
And, I am happy.
Uplifting and delightful, I rate Arlen and Berlin Occupy the Fringe! 5 out of 5.
Arlen & Berlin Occupy the Fringe! has 5 performances, ending July 24, 2012 at
Details and tickets
Kelly declares this a Pick of the ringe!
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