Josephine Tonight at MetroStage

Any time a company premieres a new musical they should be commended. MetroStage has taken on the task of producing Josephine Tonight, which is based on the early part of entertainer Josephine Baker’s life. Under the direction of Maurice Hines – who also provides the choreography – the musical takes us on a journey from Baker’s childhood growing up in a shack in St. Louis – to Paris where she became a star in the Folies Bergère.

James Alexander, James T. Lane, Zurin Villanueva, Aisha de Haas, and Debra Walton. Photo by C. Stanley Photography.

The late great Wally Harper’s toe-tapping, jazzy, melodic swingin’ score keeps the joint jumpin’, and captures the feel of The Jazz Age. Wally Harper was best known as Barbara Cook’s conductor and pianist for many years. With lyricist and librettist Sherman Yellen (The Rothschilds) they have written three gorgeous ballads – “Pretty Is,” Isn’t She/Isn’t He,” and the title song “Josephine Tonight.” I am confident that Wally Harper would have been ecstatic with David Alan Bunn’s snazzy orchestrations, which are expertly played by a red hot 5-piece band which features Bunn (Piano/Conductor), George Grier (Bass), Greg Holloway (Drums/Percussion), Grant Langford (Reeds) and Tom Williams (Trumpet). All these fine musicians have impressive resumes and we are fortunate that they have come to MetroStage to play in this outstanding band.

Yellen’s book does not match the high-energy of the score. While he does give us a lot of info about Baker’s early career – it would have been more interesting if he would have also included the rest of her very colorful career.

Josephine Baker

Besides her triumph in Paris, Baker was the first African American female to star in major motion pictures which integrated an American concert, including Zouzou and Siren of the Tropics. She also made major contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, assisted the French Resistance during World War II, and became the first American-born woman to receive the Croix de guerre – France’s highest military honor.

Zurin Villanueva’s (Josephine Baker) singing is strong and brings a lot of enthusiasm to her performance despite Yellen’s at-times bland book. The role requires her to be on stage most of the show, and she is always moving and at times performing Maurice Hine’s energetic choreography.

Aisha de Haas (Carrie – Josephine’s Mom and Bertha the performer that gives Baker her break) is a force of nature. Her interpretation of “Pretty Is” is soulful and subtle at the same time and was one of the highlights for me.

James T. Lane (Eddie – Baker’s husband and Paul – the guy she leaves Eddie for) – is very charming, a good actor, and his great tapping in “Shakin’ Up the World” received a well-deserved loud applause from the appreciative audience. His duet “Isn’t She/Isn’t He” with Villanueva was a nice romantic moment.

James Alexander and Debra Walton get a real workout portraying several supporting roles in the show. I particularly liked Walton’s over-the-top Church Lady, which was a hoot. Alexander complimented her well with his bellowing Reverend. Together they make an entertaining duo.

Aisha de Haas as Big Bertha Smith. Photo by C. Stanley Photography.

Although production values are minimal and simple – Klyph Stanford’s use of projections solves the problem of not having a lot of stage space for multiple sets. His location slides tell us where we need to be and where we are.

As with his other award-winning work in many local productions, Costume Designer Reggie Ray again has designed many colorful costumes, which echo many of the outrageous costumes of The Jazz Age and Baker’s career. His tribal banana outfit he created for Villanueva is stunning and fun.

Josephine Tonight is recommended for its energetic performances and Wally Harper’s sumptuous score. It’s an entertaining foray into one of our greatest entertainers who made a splash around the world. You’ll have fun getting to know her.

Running Time: Two hours and twenty minutes, including one intermission.

Zurin Villanueva (Josephine Baker) and James T. Lane (husband Eddie Baker). Photo by C. Stanley Photography.

Josephine Tonight plays through March 18, 2012, at MetroStage – 1201 North Royal Street, in Alexandria, VA. For tickets, call (703) 548-9044, or purchase them online.

LINKS

Footage of Josephine Baker performing her infamous “Banana Dance” at the Folies Bergère in Paris, France circa 1927.

Watch Wally Harper at the piano and conducting with Barbara Cook singing “In Between Goodbyes,” written by Wally Harper with  lyrics by David Zippel.

Official site of Josephine Baker.