Backwards in High Heels
International City Theatre celebrates it's 25th anniversary with
the Los Angeles premiere of "Backwards in High Heels." If I had to
review this "Ginger Musical" in one word, I would say "Go!" If I had
three words, they would be "Don't miss it."
But sound bites and captions don't convey anything to anyone; so
in showbiz parlance, "let's take it from the top." Conceived and
developed by Lynnette Barkley and Christopher McGovern (with book,
original songs and arrangements by the latter), "Backwards in High
Shoes" is a musical biography of Ginger Rogers.
If you grew up in the thirties and forties, or are a fan of TCM
(Turner Classic Movies), you know that Fred Astair and Ginger
Rogers once dominated the silver screen. In fact, the title of this
musical came from the famous retort: "Everything Fred did, Ginger
could do 'backwards in high heels.'"
Not only were Fred and Ginger's technical skills flawless, their
energetic style was smooth as silk and highly sophisticated. Dancing
to immortal melodies by George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Irving
Berlin, their chemistry exploded with passion and excitement. With
all that, it's no wonder they were number one at the box office.
Then in 1940, Rogers walked away from Astair, became the first
woman actor to demand equal pay, and received an Academy Award for
her dramatic role in "Kitty Foyle." Considering all the exciting
events in her life--not to mention five marriages--one might wish for
a more dynamic script to tell her story, one with more tension and
explosive drama.
But as often happens in the theater, it's not "the what," it's
"the how" that makes a show. And wow! By employing good old
fashioned theatrical pizazz, ICT's highly stylized pastiche
compensates for any lack in the material.
As performed on Stephen Gifford's stunning set, under Jared A.
Sayeg's romantic light design, "High Heels" is a sight to behold.
With Daryl Archibald directing a lively, five-piece orchestra from
the piano, the versatile cast performs 23 musical numbers, most of
them well-known classics.
From the "Fascinating Rhythm" prelude, through "A Fine Romance,"
"I Got Rhythm," and "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" to the reprise,
the show is beautifully directed by caryn desai (sic), who keeps the
action upbeat with emphasis on Melissa Giattino's choreography.
The six-member cast is top-drawer. Anna Aimee White portrays
Ginger, who begins as an unknown teenager in Texas; then through
talent, hard-work, and determination, she becomes a world famous
movie star. Heather Lee plays Lela, Ginger's loving, over-protective
mom. Her husband deserted her when their baby was born; so that left
Lela alone to guide Ginger through a tough world during the depression.
On her way to stardom, Ginger meets a number of celebrities, all
marvelously portrayed by Robin De Lano. Vignettes of them include
Martha Ray, Ethel Merman, Bette Davis, Kate Hepburn and Marlene
Dietrich.
Matt Bauer not only performs the dance routines of Fred Astair,
he also plays other people who dash in and out of Ginger's life.
Jeff Payton portrays Hermes Pan, Jimmy Stewart and Ginger's director;
which leaves the nimble Christopher Carothers to dance his way
through six other characters.
So put on your dancing shoes, and tap your way to the Long Beach
Performing Arts Center where "High Heels" runs on weekends through
March 21. For ticket information, call (562) 436-4610 or go on line
at www.InternationalCityTheatre.org