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In New York in 1928, a struggling playwright is forced to cast a mobster’s talentless girlfriend in his latest drama in order to get it produced.
Dallas Summer Musicals presents “Bullets Over Broadway,” a musical re-imagining of the excellent Woody Allen film by the same name, and it comes alive despite the dark humor and themes that fill it. Young idealist David (Michael Williams) writes a play with big ideas and big speeches. The problem is, it’s not very good. Enter Cheech (Jeff Brooks), a gangster sent by the play’s primary money man, the crime lord Nick Valenti (played on Wednesday by understudy Justin Jutras), to keep an eye on his girlfriend Olive (Jemma Jane). Olive fancies herself an actress, and while the character remains interesting as a clueless wild child, she can’t act her way out of a paper bag. Producer Julian Marx (Rick Grossman) is able to get three well-known Broadway stars to take primary roles, fading Broadway Star Helen Sinclair (Emma Stratton), half insane actress Eden Brent (Rachel Bahler) and compulsive over-eater Warner Purcell (Bradley Allan Zarr), but Olive can’t remember her lines, and is ruining the play. Along the way, Cheech shows himself to be quite a good writer. He begins making suggestions, good ones, and eventually re-writes much of the play for David, making it a huge success. Except for Olive. As Cheech becomes more involved in creating the play, and David enjoys the attention it garners him, Cheech makes some rash decisions. All of this is played in good humor with a fantastic mix of old standards and newly written songs creating an energetic and fun soundtrack.
Wednesday’s performance took a little time to gain its energy. However, by the time the Valenti Gang, the Kutsabeck Gang and the Flappers finished the darkly humorous “Tain’t a Fit Night Out for Man or Beast,” festivities were in full roar. I’ve seen a few touring Broadway companies in my day, but it always seems at least one actor feels out of place in the cast. That was not the case here. Beginning with David and his sexually frustrated girlfriend, Ellen (Hannah Rose Deflumeri), and pushing through solos by Julian Marx, Helen Sinclair, Olive and Cheech along with the rest of the primary cast, each company member delivered pitch perfect vocals and compelling characterizations throughout the play.
Standouts included Stratton’s Helen, Jane’s Olive, Bahler’s Eden and a star making performance by Brooks as the deep thinking Cheech. He consistently brings presence to the stage. His formidably large frame and earthy confidence fit Cheech to a “T,” while he effortlessly moves through his choreography with the grace of much smaller dancer. Bahler’s energetic portrayal and elegant vocals make Eden a joy to watch. Stratton plays Helen to the hilt, allowing plenty of room for her large personality and some incredible vocals as well. Then, there’s Olive. This character could easily have slipped into a terrible case of overacting and uneven parody. Jane never lets up in her portrayal, giving Olive the feel of an irresistible force which meets the immovable object in Cheech. Jane and Brooks each show promise as actors with bright futures, while veterans Bahler and Stratton continue to shine.
The set is a good mixture of detailed backdrops and numerous props, and set changes can become distracting. The frenetic pace of “Bullets Over Broadway” and its many song and dance pieces gives the audience little time to catch its breath. The few quiet moments work well as a contrast the rest of it. The orchestra, conducted by Robbie Cowan, plays with a big sound, despite the smaller number of its members. It is remarkably strong in its support of the company.
“Bullets Over Broadway” pulls the audience into a zany world where art meets death in surprising ways. It is a darkly humorous take on the Great White Way that pleases immensely.
Now playing at the Music Hall in Fair Park as part of the Dallas Summer Musicals June 14 – June 26
