On a crisp October evening, Strike Up the Band brilliantly illuminated Carnegie Hall’s Isaac Stern Auditorium. This dazzling revival, presented by the superb MasterVoices chorus and orchestra helmed by the visionary impresario Ted Sperling, brought a new vitality to this 1927 Gershwin operetta. Originally an anti-war satire, the piece returned to the stage with a spirit that felt both timeless and remarkably relevant. Indeed, tonight, we celebrate Strike Up the Band: A Spectacular Revival of Gershwin’s Masterpiece.
Melodic Prowess of Gershwin’s Work
Notably, the production featured an impressive lineup of guest artists, each of whom coupled humor with profound musicality, dance, and drama. Moreover, the cast reaffirmed the Gershwin brothers’ genius throughout the performance. The production not only embraced the satirical sharpness of George S. Kaufman’s original book but highlighted the melodic prowess of George and Ira Gershwin’s unforgettable compositions. This review captures the essence of a truly magnificent performance that invited the audience to reflect on the state of modern society, all while reveling in top-notch theatrical artistry.
A Timely Revival with Timeless Themes
Ted Sperling, conductor and director of Strike Up the Band, chose this work deliberately. With only days to go until a tense national election, the operetta’s themes of politics, patriotism, and the absurdity of war felt more resonant than ever. As Sperling noted in his pre-show conversation with co-writer Laurence Maslon, the satire embedded within the play couldn’t be more on point for today’s audiences. Kaufman’s biting humor, initially crafted in the wake of World War I, struck a deep chord with contemporary viewers. The play’s premise—an absurd war over cheese tariffs—allowed Kaufman and the Gershwins to explore the follies of blind patriotism and rampant consumerism, themes that echo meaningfully in today’s world.
The Final Jewel in MasterVoices’ Gershwin Series
In a conversation between Sperling and Maslon, the director shared his excitement about finally presenting this piece as the “final jewel” in MasterVoices’ exploration of the Gershwins’ political satires. Sperling says, “We all need a good laugh, some tap dancing, and gorgeous melodies.” His statement resonated throughout the performance; every humorous twist in Strike Up the Band held a layer of sincerity, ultimately making this production entertaining and thought-provoking.
A Star-Studded Cast and Impeccable Performances
The cast brought the characters of Strike Up the Band to life with palpable energy and finesse. In the role of Horace J. Fletcher, the ambitious CEO of Fletcher’s American Cheese Company, John Ellison Conlee infused the character with charm and absurdity, perfectly embodying the capitalist satire at the heart of the story. His interactions with Shereen Ahmed as Joan Fletcher, his daughter, and Bryce Pinkham as Jim Townsend, a local journalist and Joan’s love interest, were humorous and dynamic. Conlee’s comedic timing and bold delivery of Fletcher’s bombastic lines and puns about milk and cheese consistently elicited laughter from the audience, grounding the satire in a relatable human experience.
Warmth and Gravitas in Every Note
As the well-intentioned philanthropist Mrs. Draper, Victoria Clark brought warmth and gravitas to her role. Her performance, particularly during the song “If I Became the President,” showcased her nuanced ability to blend humor with sincerity, making her character one of the most memorable in the production. Meanwhile, Bryce Pinkham’s portrayal of Jim Townsend served as an anchor in the whirlwind of satire, embodying a journalist whose love for Joan Fletcher pushes him to question the motives behind Fletcher’s business-driven war.
Additionally, Christopher Fitzgerald shined as George Spelvin, an eccentric ambassador, delivering his lines with the wit and playfulness for which he is celebrated. His performance with the dancers in “Mademoiselle in New Rochelle” added a lightheartedness that beautifully contrasted with the satirical weight of the plot.
A Standout Production Design and Choreography
Every detail of this production, from the costumes to the lighting, contributed to the grandeur and charm of the evening. Choreographer Alison Solomon captured the energy and humor of the show’s musical numbers, presenting tap dance and ensemble choreography that honored the period while feeling fresh and lively. Each dance number became a visual spectacle, perfectly complementing the operetta’s blend of satire and nostalgia.
Satirical Portrayal Enhanced by Costumes and Lighting
The production design, led by co-costume designers Tracy Christensen and Somie Pak, transported the audience back to a 1927 America bursting with patriotism and commercial ambition. Costumes for characters like Fletcher and Mrs. Draper were meticulously tailored, adding authenticity to the satirical portrayal of their characters. Additionally, Shelby Loera’s lighting design effectively shifted between the show’s lighter, comedic scenes and its darker moments of introspection. In moments like the song “Oh, This Is Such a Lovely War,” Loera’s lighting underscored the gravity behind the humor, casting shadows that hinted at the darker implications of war.
Sound Design That Merges Grand and Intimate
Marc Salzberg’s sound design was pivotal in bringing the rich orchestration to life. The MasterVoices Orchestra, under Sperling’s baton, filled Carnegie Hall with the Gershwin brothers’ iconic melodies. Orchestrations by Russell Warner, William D. Brohn, William Daly, Dick Hyman, Sid Ramin, Larry Wilcox, and Donald Johnston breathed life into each number, creating a full-bodied soundscape that felt grand yet intimate.
Celebrating Gershwin’s Musical Genius
At the heart of Strike Up the Band lies George Gershwin’s timeless score, enriched by Ira Gershwin’s clever lyrics that capture the essence of love in its many forms. Exquisitely beautiful songs like “The Man I Love” and “I’ve Got a Crush on You” were delivered with profound emotion and delightful wit, showcasing the Gershwin brothers’ exceptional talent in merging melody with satire. Shereen Ahmed and Bryce Pinkham, as Joan Fletcher and Jim Townsend, brought these love songs to life, their voices blending seamlessly as they delivered each gentle intone with elegance and conviction.
Heartfelt Renditions of Universal Love
The universal nature of love—its hope, longing, and gentle humor—was felt deeply through their duets. Ahmed’s tender yet vibrant soprano complemented Pinkham’s resonant tenor, creating a chemistry that drew the audience into their unfolding romance. Their heartfelt renditions captured love’s quiet, soulful moments and grand, sweeping gestures, reminding the audience that love can bloom amidst the absurdity of a satirical cheese war.
Unyielding Power of Love in Every Note
Viewers were entranced as the pair expressed a love that transcends place and time, rich with spirit, charm, and humor. Many in the audience held their breath, sighing in unison as the two sang each deliciously romantic line, enveloping the room with a sense of shared humanity. The songs became more than melodies; they became expressions of an enduring truth—the unyielding power of love, even in the face of conflict and absurdity. This masterful interpretation left an indelible mark, reinforcing that love remains universal and transcendent, no matter the setting.
This thoughtfully directed production, under Ted Sperling’s leadership, honored the Gershwins’ legacy by focusing on the play’s deeper themes without sacrificing its humor, romance, or charm.
Strike Up the Band: A Spectacular Revival of Gershwin’s Masterpiece
MasterVoices
Cast
Horace J. Fletcher, CEO of Fletcher’s American Cheese Company – John Ellison Conlee
Joan Fletcher, his daughter – Shereen Ahmed
Jim Townsend, a local journalist – Bryce Pinkham
Mrs. Draper, a philanthropist – Victoria Clark
Edgar Sloane, general manager of Fletcher’s Cheese – Claybourne Elder
Timothy Harper, foreman of Fletcher’s Cheese – Phillip Attmore
Miss Meade, executive assistant to Fletcher – Lissa deGuzman
Colonel Holmes, a Very Important Person in Washington, DC – David Pittu
George Spelvin, an ambassador without portfolio – Christopher Fitzgerald
Dancers – C.K. Edwards, Fiona Claire Huber, Masumi lwai, Justin Keats, Cory Lingner, and Derek Luscutoff
Artistic
Clare Martin – Assistant Director
Erin Moore – Associate Choreographer
Jeanna DiPaolo – Assistant Costume Designer
Megan Culley – Assistant Sound Designer
Ira Mont – Production Stage Manager
Veronica Aglow – Stage Manager
Greg Jarrett – Associate Music Director
Paul Staroba – Rehearsal Accompanist
Sam Russo – Rehearsal Accompanist
Joshua Fried – Music Assistant
Chloe Geller – Music Assistant
Connor Burns – Rehearsal Cover
SuperTitle System Courtesy of DIGITEXT Chatham Virginia
MasterVoices – Strike Up the Band: A Spectacular Revival of Gershwin’s Masterpiece.
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