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Wootton's 'On the Town' Captures Rollicking Spirit of '40s New York
Matt Mooney, from left, Jared Albert and Justin Sun, as sailors Gabey, Chip and Ozzie, perform a song-and-dance number in Wootton High's production of "On the Town."
(Photos By James M. Thresher -- The Washington Post)
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Prince William County
If you had only 24 hours to spend in New York City, what would you do? Go sightseeing? Clubbing? How about get arrested while pursuing an enchantingly enigmatic face spotted on a subway poster? Three sailors in Wootton High School's production of "On the Town" did all that and more.
Betty Comden and Adolph Green's tale, premiering on Broadway in 1944 with music by Leonard Bernstein and choreography by Jerome Robbins, became a movie in 1949 starring Gene Kelly. The story follows sailor Gabey, a love-struck dreamer, on a 24-hour shore leave as he scouts New York City for Ivy Smith, Miss Turnstiles for June, whose face he fell for in a subway advertisement. As fellow shipmates Chip and Ozzie help Gabey find his girl, they stumble upon their own sweethearts.
The trio of sailors stayed true to character physically and emotionally from dialogue to song. Gabey (Matt Mooney) showcased his expressive vocals in "Gabey's Comin' " and "Lonely Town," and with his captivating stage presence, depicted a range of emotions induced by glamorous Ivy Smith (Nellie Darling). Darling's voice was elegant with perfect pitch, and with the intoxicated Madame Dilly (Jordan Hitchens) belted out harmonizing tunes in the female ensemble's exuberant "Carnegie Hall Pavane."
Chip (Jared Albert) interacted realistically with desperate-for-love cabby Hildy Esterhazy (Meghan Keane), and Ozzie (Justin Sun) had great comedic delivery. He was adorably smitten with anthropologist Claire (Samantha Tempchin), whose singing was consistently good.
Other noteworthy performances included Pitkin (Alex Marston), Claire's naive fiance, in his amusing solo, "I Understand," and Rajah Bimmy (Brett Fischer), who innovatively used a goofy accent and clever charades.
The languid ensemble's momentum picked up with strong vocals. Generally successful lighting by Jeanie McAlpine spotlighted characters well. The sound design by Cristina DeRisi was effective, but occasional microphone difficulties resulted in words lost to the outstanding orchestra. The cast efficiently utilized the enormous stage, at times seemingly filling it beyond capacity.
From Carnegie Hall to Coney Island, it was hard not to be "carried away" by Wootton's evident hard work and skill.
Cristina Wood
T.C. Williams High School
Alexandria
