RODGERS &...

"Richard Rodgers wrote "I Remember Mama," the last of his forty, in 1979.The lyricist was Martin Charnin. In the years since then, his style of musical, with lush melody, meticulously crafted lyrics and classically constructed drama built on deep, authentic sentiment has become passe almost archaic. Except that when that music and those shows are revisited, the beauty and strength of the work, when performed by talented singers and musicians, re-emerges as vital and immediate as ever.

For all the success of the ensemble, one member really stood out. Shelly Burch is a veteran Broadway actress and even more than her lovely, strong voice she brought such dramatic conviction to her songs that they were simply in a different league. She was enchanting with "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and made "Ten Cents a Dance" into a life-story . Her performance of "An Old Man" (from Charnin and Rodgers "Two by Two" ) was so tender and earned that it literally brought tears to my eyes. I thought she was wonderful.

"Rodgers &.." was more than a simple review...it was an appreciation and a rediscovery of a unique musical talent and the collaborations that created the through-line of the musical stage in the past century. Showtunes should be proud of this fine and appreciative as we are of Mr. Charnin's generosity and talent. 4 stars out of 4. --Jerry Kraft, Seattle Actor