OSTC’s ‘All Night Strut’ brings back music of the ’30s & ’40s

Posted 3/5/14

They just don’t write them like that anymore.

Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company gives us the gift of 29 of the fabulous songs of the 1930s and ’40s in a slick, sassy, sumptuous feast of …

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OSTC’s ‘All Night Strut’ brings back music of the ’30s & ’40s

Posted

They just don’t write them like that anymore.

Warwick’s Ocean State Theatre Company gives us the gift of 29 of the fabulous songs of the 1930s and ’40s in a slick, sassy, sumptuous feast of swing music by such songwriters as Johnny Mercer, Frank Loesser, Jerome Kern, Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway.

Attracting more of an older crowd whose parents played their music as they (we) were growing up, the four excellent singer/dancers had the audience humming along and reminiscing for nearly two hours.

“All Night Strut” was conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Fran Charnas and played for 18 months in Boston back in 1978. It actually is a musical review rather than a traditional Broadway musical, but the four performers make every song a story, as they sing, dance and act out their roles, moving freely around the gorgeous set by Rob Dew, which brings you in to a classy NYC night club.

The cast is terrific and includes Courtney Nolan Smith, Dawoyne A. Hill, Robby May and Cranston’s own Christiana Rodi. All four have impressive credentials, with Rodi’s credits including OSTC’s “Rent” and Goodspeed Opera House’s “Show Boat.” She was the leading vocalist for the touring “Cirque Dreams” and holds a BFA in musical theatre from the Hartt School.

Pianist and musical director Paul Buono is backed by Brian Grochowski on bass and Dan Hann on drums. Buono has toured nationally with Javier Colon and Maroon 5 and played keyboards for two other OSTC musicals.

This one is all about the music, and the music is kept alive, thanks to the fast-paced production. The cast moves smoothly together, transitioning from one number to the next in perfect four-point harmony, putting their heart and soul into every number.

Director Brian Swasey makes use of movement, giving us the feeling of a Broadway production and not just four singers reminding us of old favorites.

We knew just about every song, including standards like “In the Mood,” ”Crazy Rhythm,” “Juke Box Saturday Night” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing.” They also do a great segment of World War II songs, including “White Cliffs of Dover” and “Comin’ In on a Wing and a Prayer.”

If you love the old standards, this is the show for you. You might want to introduce the younger generations to the good old days when music was musical.

“All Night Strut” is at Ocean State Theatre Company, 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, through Feb. 26. Tickets are $39-$54. Check out their $30 rush tickets. Call 921-6800 for reservations and information.

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