A new musical revue has opened a propos of our nation’s economic disaster. Although it reflects the hardships of The Great Depression from its pre-crash through the plight of the Dustbowl Okies (those who rode the rails in search of work), unfortunately, it is all too relevant as adversity befalls Americans losing their jobs, their homes, savings and retirement. Little did Bill Daugherty, the show’s conceiver and director, realize in March 2008 the realities! Now, I ask you, how uplifting can this be?

Many of the songs could have been written today, give or take a few tweaks here and there. “I’m in the Market for You” (Hanley/McCarthy), a nod to Rudy Vallee, is sung by Daugherty—through a megaphone—as the cast joins in. Daughertys tenor vocals are a strong suit in this 1 hour, 40 minute show (10 minute intermission) and especially on the title song delivered with heart-wrenching authenticity.  There are good harmony arrangements on many of the tunes; the three females Christina Morrell, Jennifer Newberry and Deborah Tranelli blend vocals on “Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee”(Berlin) and others, i.e. “Long as You’ve Got Your Health” (Zeno/Erwin/Harburg) where a snazzy period dance segment ties it all together. Special kudos to musical director/arranger Doyle Newmyer. John Loehrke is on bass and Spiff Wiegand is on guitar/violin/mandolin.

Throughout, original voice-overs of Eddie Cantor, Herbert Hoover and the Roosevelts keep the theme in tact together with dialogue. Little Jennifer Newberry, who looks 10 years old, gives a nod to Helen Kane on “I’m an Unemployed Sweetheart” (Monaco/Leslie/Washington) and is a charmer with her big red hair bow. Deborah Tranelli, a versatile singer and seasoned performer, portrays the sad truth “Sittin’ on a Rubbish Can” (Shawn/Schaefer/Burke) begging for food and as a dance hall cutie selling her wares for “Ten Cents q Dance” (Rodgers/Hart). Alexander Elisa, a deep bass, takes to the “Dusty Road” (Rene) while Christina Morrell sells “Cigarettes, Cigars” (Gordon/Revel) working offstage in the audience. She is a strong, plausible performer. Young Morgan West, not quite seasoned, takes an unusual shot at Porter’s “Love for Sale,” selling the only thing left, giving it a more contemporary depiction.

By the time Act II opens, we see a seedy, tired-looking group schlepping along trying to keep their spirits up with a slow “Get Happy”(Koehler/Arlen) and Daugherty’s “Hallelujah, I’m a Bum” (Rodgers/Hart), a nod to Jolson. Finally, the Depression is over and “We’re Out of the Red” (Brown/Gorney) “With Plenty of Money and You” (Dubin/Warren). Yay!

I venture to say that, although timely in its theme and a talented cast, Brother, Can You Spare A Dime? is all too real to evoke many moments of fun and delight in its nostalgia.  We need entertainment that is a great escape!

The show is produced by Max Weintraub and scheduled to run through June 14.

Sandi Durell
Cabaret Scenes
March 7, 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org