Report Card----"On Your Toes"

This was my first experience attending a performance at City Center "Encores!"
They do this about four times a year.
They all run less than a week, so this review is fairly useless.
But it's really more about the "Encores!" experience than the show.
The show, and the experience were both wonderful.
The show is performed with about a forty-five piece orchestra behind them.
Otherwise, there is a semblance of a set. I didn't know going in whether the performers worked with scripts in hand, as they did in that concert version of "South Pacific"
It wouldn't seem likely, as "On Your Toes" is much more of a pure dance show.
And they didn't use scripts.
It is a first-rate Rodgers and Hart show.
Not as meaty as "Pal Joey"
Not as funny as "The Boys From Syracuse"
They are both better shows.
But this one is a dandy in its own way.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

It dazzles you.
A+.

Compelling even?

The story is not that riveting.
B-.

Is it controversial?

No, and it doesn't need to be.
No Grade.

Is it a story worth telling?

The clash between serious and popular dance is pretty interesting.
A.

Is it good storytelling?

Considering how flimsy the story is, it's handled very well.
A.

Is it well written?

Book-wise, pretty good. Music and lyrics, spectacular.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?, Well staged?

For the most part, it is done perfectly. But the part of the lead male dancer cries out for a star.
And there was a huge hole on the stage where there wasn't one.
C.

Is it too long? Too short?

The time flew by.
A+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

It's as believable and engrossing as a cardboard old-fashioned musical can be.
B+.


Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

No, but it doesn't matter.
No Grade.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Yes. It has made me think about going to New York more often to see more "Encores!"
A+

Is it funny?

Often.
A.

Was it worth the fifty bucks it cost?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it impressive ?

Stunning
A+.

Overall grade: A.

"Encores" is a labor of love. And since I can't be in labor, I can only be in love.

Enjoy the Tonys!

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