I must have an old soul –dating back to the early 20th century. That’s why my entertainment palette was so enamored with Rodgers & Hart: A Celebration.
This Light Opera Works Celebration review features six performers singing and dancing to an amazing repertoire of 57 songs written from 1919 to 1943. Some songs were hits of their day in movies, Broadway and Tin Pan Alley, while others were new to this reviewer. But all in all, this musical review of Rodgers and Hart was a treasure trove mixing all kinds of human emotion and feelings.
The fact that so many songs were familiar favorites of mine made the evening a fast-paced quiet sing-along for me. And, while no song was my absolute favorite, I could count on two hands songs I love, including “Falling in Love with Love,” “With a Song in My Heart,” “Blue Moon,” “I Wish I Were In Love Again,” “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” and a song I hardly ever hear, but adore, “Mountain Greenery.”
The concept of this musical affair was designed by the talented Richard Lewine and John Fearnley, and conducted by Linda Stein. Costume designer Darcy Elora Hofer dressed the singers splendidly, while Adam L. Veness designed the night club scene, making the whole review work so well together.
Rob Riddle, Jon Landvick, and David Geinosky 
The talented singers, who were equally adept at dancing to each tune, were Amy Brophy, Tiffany Desmond, Bethany Thomas, David Geinosky, Jon Landvick, and Rob Riddle. I thought they looked like smashing night club attendees in their smart black dresses and tuxedos. Director and choreographer as well as Artistic Director of Light Opera Works, Rudy Hogenmiller did his usual excellent job making this musical review a delight to behold.
Tiffany Desmond, Amy Brophy, and Brianna Borger (replaced by Bethany Thomas, not pictured) 
Light Opera Works Second Stage
1420 Maple Avenue, Evanston IL
Runs through November 6, 2011 For more info checkout The Rodgers & Hart: A Celebration page on www.theatreinchicago.com
847-869-6300, www.lightoperaworks.com, tickets $27 – $34 – $42, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm, running time is 2 hours, 10 minutes with intermission, through November 6, 2011
