The Encores! series extends its winning streak with this weekend's revival of the 1970 hit musical Applause—but only by the skin of its teeth. Based on the movie All About Eve (itself based on a story by Mary Orr) with a book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green and songs by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams, the production offers a strong storyline with an eclectic score that often came across as technically and interpretatively problematic at yesterday's performance. Artistic director Jack Viertel introduced the show by explaining that star Christine Ebersole would perform despite an illness that had kept her out of rehearsals. Even though she wasn't in top form, Ebersole did justice to her role as Margo Channing, a theater diva famous for not missing a performance. The rest of the talented leads—Erin Davie, Tom Hewitt, Michael Park, and Kate Burton—were good but also seemed to be a little rough around the edges, with Mario Cantone and Megan Sikora bringing zest to their featured roles. Highlights came from the clever trio "Inner Thoughts"/"Good Friends" as well as such production numbers as the groundbreaking gay bar set piece "But Alive," the mocking "She's No Longer a Gypsy," and a doctored version of "Applause" that's like a surprise Valentine for Encores! regulars. However, other numbers (some of which seemed very difficult to negotiate) just didn't crystallize, and the staging of "Fasten Your Seatbelts" just didn't do much with the song and its musical allusions to car honking. But ultimately the strength of the storyline, the professionalism of the performers, and the numerous comic elements prevailed in making this another worthwhile revival.
NOTE Something that nearly ruined the experience for my party were serious problems we had with City Center's ticketing wing (both the box office and CityTix). Things improved only after I managed to reach an administrator. I hope that no one will go through what we went through, but if you do run into problems and happen to read this, feel free to testify here.
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