No book, no dialogue, no narration. Instead, “The Gershwins’ Fascinating Rhythm” pays glossy tribute to the incomparable achievements of George and Ira Gershwin with nonstop song and dance by a highly accomplished cast of nine and an orchestra of 11. Who could ask for anything more? No one, especially when this expensive-looking production is judged as the unapologetic nightclub act it is.
Hartford theatergoers have turned this Hartford Stage production into a box office bonanza, with a scheduled May 10 to June 15 run extended through June 29. Variety
``Some songs just happen on their own,'' he says. ``There are times when you don't want to reinvent the wheel. You simply want to do a great song the best way you can.'' ``I think once you've hired the right people wisely, you simply allow them to do their work,'' he says. ``I'll wait until I see the piece before I start dissecting it.''
Casting was key in shaping the piece, says Mark Lamos, who altered the material to suit the talents of the ensemble. The nine-person cast features Broadway vets such as Liz Callaway and James Barbour, as well as Mary Bond Davis, Darius de Haas, Sebastian La Cause, Beth Leavel, John MacInnis, Angela Maiz and Stephanie Pope.