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Regional Reviews: Florida - Southern Stars of David: Story to Song Also see John's reviews of Little Piggies and Mame
This 85-minute musical revue celebrating the Jewish-American experience features a well-organized flow of short stories, monologues and anecdotes, with some of the short stories turned into song. The large number of composers provides an eclectic mix of styles, but the diversity works well in allowing for greater individuality in the manner in which these stories are put to song. The production values are clean and simple, hindered only by a few tardy lighting cues at the performance attended. A top notch musical director and cast has been assembled to insure the success of this production. Well played by musical director Eric Alsford, the harmonies are tightly written and sung, with each of the actors having individual songs in which to showcase their talents. Michael Westrich has great appeal in songs such as "Lenny the Great," a story provided by Leonard Nimoy. If you are into following the lives of celebrities you are sure to enjoy the songs "High Holy Days," a story provided by Joan Rivers and nicely sung by Patti Gardner, and "What Do They Know," provided by Fran Drescher sung by Cassie Levine. But to be frank, much of the material is pure fluff. Cassie Levine's beautiful singing of "As If I Weren't There," a story of loss as told by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is the most touching moment in the show. The most cleverly written comedic song is "Smart People," which Avi Hoffman nimbly mugs his way through. Also notable is a sentimental duet sung by Levine and Patti Gardner, "The Women Who Had No Names," a story provided by Gloria Steinem. The show is in need of more substantive moments such as these. Though these are stories specific to the Jewish experience, they should have stronger universal appeal and relatability to a general public. Stars of David will be appearing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts through Sunday, January 4, 2015, then continues to tour the state of Florida through March 15, 2015. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District at 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts houses the Au-Rene Theater, the Amaturo Theatre, and the Abdo New River Room, and has affiliated venues at the Parker Playhouse, the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Presentations at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, the Department of State, the Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Support is also contributed by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment Consortium is a cultural partnership between the Performing Arts Center Authority, the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale, Florida Grand Opera, Fort Lauderdale Historical Society and The Historic Stranahan House Museum. It is supported by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Visitors Bureau. For tickets or other information, contact them by phone at 954-462-0222 or online at www.browardcenter.org. For more information on the Stars of David tour, visit www.starsofdavidsongs.com. Cast: Crew: The Actors and Stage Managers employed in this production are members of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
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