A rousing new musical brings the 1920s into the 2020s
The famed Don’t Tell Mama Theater is host to Fifth Avenue, a Jazz Musical Comedy, a tune-filled time portal to a revered chapter of American history.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Dan Lane Williams/DLW PHOTOGRAPHY)
It’s 1928, and the economy is booming (for the moment). With Prohibition still a thing, entrepreneurs are finding ways to be creative, clever, and compensated.
Buddies and business partners Maxwell (Christopher Sutton) and Willy (Joseph Peterson) have a plan to open a nightclub, The Crescent Moon, in the largely overlooked west 40s of Manhattan—essentially bringing the east 50s vibe to Hell’s Kitchen. (It’s important to note that this is their 11th business venture in 10 years.) They get the cash from Tommy Grace (Beau Allen) and the three mark the occasion by singing that they’re “All-In.”
But this being America in 1928, the club must be dry. “Anti-saloon league says enforce laws on the book. Round up all the bootleggers and jail all the crooks,” proclaim the lawmakers of the day, as related by Willy, Grace, and newsboy Neal (James Lynch) in “That’s the News.”
“A saloon-less nation will live longer, they say,” they sing. “But it’s the price of liquor that will kill you today!”
Meanwhile, Maxwell’s 22-year-old daughter Rachel (Adriana Vicinanzo) has returned from Europe. She shows off her new-found woman-of-the-worldness to her friend-zoned childhood pal Neal in “The Grand Tour.” Rachel later meets for lunch with shady suitor Donald P. Brentwood the 4th (Kevin Arnold), a lawyer with lofty real-estate aspirations that he lays out in the bouncy, future-predicting “Fifth Avenue.”
“Corporate heads will be the ruling class,” he says with a smile, threatening to turn “every street into Fifth Avenue.” There won’t be much left that’s fun to do,” warns Rachel. “What about all those who can’t afford Fifth Avenue?”
“Let them move to the Bronx!” snarks Donald.
The club opens on New Year’s Eve, appearing to serve nothing stronger than ginger ale. But Grace has more sinister plans for the “operation”, and despite Willy and Maxwell’s desire to be legit, their grand plan is nearly over before it begins.
As the Crescent Moon rises, nightclub singer Gloria (played by Eurovision finalist Davinia) gives a powerhouse performance of “Life Is Fine”. The mood soon changes for “Shana Madela,” a gorgeous lullaby sung by Rachel and Maxwell after the latter gets into accidental but inevitable booze-related legal trouble. Our “spirited” heroes resolve to rally to keep their respective versions of the American Dream alive.
The music by Daniel Seidman (with lyrics by Seidman and Librettist Susan Crawford)
is a perfect blend of Broadway elegance and 1920s cool. Each number is a catchy and melodic plot-mover that will get you swaying and singing along. (“Shana Madela” is a songwriting contribution from Seidman’s father Murray).
The songs are delivered magnificently by the entire talented cast. Claire Cooper (Music Director), also in period dress, provides deft accompaniment on the piano. The production is expertly directed and choreographed by Andrea Andresakis, and the gorgeous and authentic costumes of the era are designed by Yuka Silvera.
From beginning to end (fittingly as the calendar turns to 1929), Fifth Avenue is a must-see delightful tribute to a halcyon age. The show is so charming, and the actors so engaging, you’ll wish it would never end (and that the current 20s would roar as hard as the previous ones!).
Fifth Avenue, a Jazz Musical Comedy is playing at Don’t Tell Mama on Mondays at 7 pm through February 12, 2024. For more information (and a song medley!) visit fifthavenuemusical.com/.
Arts Independent 