Harmony

"Harmony" at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre is apropos for the times that we live in now. The book by Bruce Sussman is based on a group of harmony singers that meet in Germany in 1927. Rising to popularity and fame even though the world is facing a depression, the musical starts out at New York Cities Carnegie Hall in 1933 where the six singers decide whether to return to their native homeland, Germany. The group is worried about the overtures of antisemitism and that Adolf Hitler is rising to power. The group has three Jewish members and three Gentile members who are tight knit and genuinely like one another.

"Harmony" is very slow unraveling its plot and the first thirty minutes of the show moves very slowly. What saves the first act is the songs; "Harmony" , "What Do You See", "How Can I Serve You, Madame?" and "Home" are all memorable indeed. The actors who sing them are all very talented and so is Warren Carlyle's choreography (he directed this show as well). Capturing the time period is scenic designer Beowulf Boritt who is one of the best currently on Broadway. Linda Cho's and Ricky Lurie's costumes too capture this turbulent time period.From Ruth's (Julie Benko) communist garb to elegant Mary's (Sierra Boggess) well appointed dresses, Cho and Lurie give the audience a great feel for the period. Both the lighting and sound are first rate as well. But even with all the good things going for this show it is the writing in the first act that disappoints and the direction here doesn't help as well. Warren Carlyle at times can't get the actors out of their own way.

It is in the second act where the musical gains traction. The show becomes more up tempo and interesting. Even though it begins again at Carnegie Hall in 1933, it quickly moves to 1934 when Germany is changing fast. We see how the group is being challenged, how they are being threatened and forced to capitulate to the German governments wants. It is brought front and center if they made a wrong decision going back home. They hope that Germany will return to its former self and that hope is all they have at this point, the hope will turn to anger and frustration as they see their livelihoods all but dissipate.

Barry Manilow who composed and arranged "Harmony" had many really good songs, he also had many forgettable ones. Sussman as well in his lyrics had our minds wondering at times during the performance and there is where the problem lies.Even the really good acting that went into this show :Chip Zien, Sierra Boggess, Sean Bell, Eric Peters, Julie Benko and Blake Roman were all outstanding, they brought deep emotion to the performance, they also brought great dancing and even better singing; but even with all the great supporting things that make a great show, the writing, both the book and the songs, just couldn't get this show over the trough.

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Next up is Spamelot.

I am hoping that Spamelot can pick up the spirits of Broadway this year. The only great thing I have seen so far this season is "Back To The Future"; mostly everything else has been mediocre to bad. While I liked Sabbath's Theatre, it too did not wow me the way a great show does. There is some promise, however that the season will end stronger with "Appropriate", "Prayer For The French Republic" and "Spamelot".

Beowulf Boritt, Linda Cho, Barry Manilow, Broadway, Tony Awards, Sierra Boggess, Julie Banko, Carnegie Hall, Hamilton, The Lion King, Aladdin, Harry Potter, MJ The Musical.