Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: Cincinnati


Make Me a Song

Opening the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Studio Series this season is Make Me A Song, an emotional, funny and heartfelt celebration of life through the songs of William Finn. CCM has presented many of Mr. Finn's musicals in the past, and this revue offers a detailed look at the man and his music. Boasting a strong cast and direction, as well as the best theater ticket price in town (free!), it's a treat for fans of Finn's music or those just being introduced to the composer/lyricist.

Make Me A Song was conceived by Rob Ruggiero and culls material from some of William Finn's most popular musicals (Falsettos, A New Brain, Elegies), little-known pieces (the vastly underappreciated Romance In Hard Times and In Trousers), yet-unproduced shows (The Royal Family of Broadway), and songs that aren't show-specific. The 85-minute intermissionless show includes joyous songs about love, humorous takes politics and songwriting, and touching remembrances of family and loved ones who have died. It also includes a suite of nine songs from Finn's masterpiece, Falsettos (for which he won Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Book), which chronicles the impact of AIDS on a family in early 1980s.

Finn is a skilled storyteller through his songs, and his unique style is one that is original and eccentric, yet highly accessible. He marries intelligent, tender and witty lyrics with delightfully interesting melodies and beautiful harmonies. Mr. Ruggiero has chosen strong material that showcases the composer and his songs in an entertaining collection. It is amazing to think of the number of wonderful Finn songs that weren't included in this revue, which is a testament to Mr. Finn's talent and career this far.

As usual, CCM's student performers are extremely talented, focused and polished. Collin Kessler portrays William Finn and accurately conveys the songwriter's eccentricity and manic energy while also delivering songs such as "Republicans" and "Stupid Things I Won't Do" with skill. Victoria Cook brings extremely well-defined and varied characterizations to her presentation of the material, including "Only One," "Change" and "That's Enough For Me," and sings capably. Max Chernin portrayed Mendel in CCM's production of Falsettos last year and again shows himself to be a solid interpreter of Finn's material. He supplies a solid bass on "Billy's Law of Genetics," sings beautifully on "I'd Rather Be Sailing," and is a poignant Marvin in the Falsettos suite. Alysha Deslorieux is the best vocalist of the cast, providing powerhouse singing on a number of challenging songs such as "Passover," "All Fall Down," and "Anytime (I Am There)." On opening night, Blaine Krauss was replaced part way through the performance by Julian Decker. Before leaving, Mr. Krauss displayed solid vocals and acting with an impassioned performance of "Hitchhiking Across America." Mr. Decker brought warmth and maturity as Whizzer in the Falsettos songs and "I Went Fishing With My Dad." The cast show strong chemistry and perform the group numbers, including the lively "Heart and Music" and "Unlikely Lovers" (one of the most beautiful songs ever heard on the Broadway stage), with skill.

Director Aubrey Berg wisely chose to expand the cast from the original four members to five, adding William Finn himself as a character. Since so many of Finn's songs are autobiographical, this change makes sense and allows for Mr. Berg to frame the show as a celebration of Finn himself and of the creative process of songwriting. The set consists of some chairs and pre-school style cubes with letters for seating, surrounded by large inflatable pencils representing the experience of creating art. Despite a couple of atypical (for CCM) instances of performers going up on lyrics, the cast seems well prepared and approaches the material with apt tone and characterization. The lighting by David LaRose is effective, and Steve Goers supplies first-rate and spirited piano accompaniment and musical direction for the show.

While William Finn might not be as well known as fellow Williams College alumnus Stephen Sondheim, Make Me A Song proves that he is one of today's top, if under-appreciated, musical theater songwriters. His unique voice and the stories told through his songs are praiseworthy, as is CCM's production. In the song "Stupid Things I Won't Do," there are lyrics about living with passion and joy, and loving theater. These words sum up Finn, this show, and CCM's first-rate cast and mounting of the revue.

Make Me A Song was performed at CCM from October 20-22, 2011. The next Studio Series musical will be Spring Awakening, presented February 2–4, 2012.


Also see the current Cincinnati Area Theatre Schedule