Play Review
On the Town
By Robyn Kriel
Staff Reporter

“New York, New York it’s a wonderful town!”

Theatre TCU presents “On the Town” this weekend in Ed Landreth auditorium.

This 1944 musical written by Leonard Bernstein is about a day in the life of three navy sailors whose ship docked in New York City for 24 precious hours. The sailors, played by students Cody Perret, T.J. Hoffman and C.J. Meeks, spend their time indulging in the city’s sights and lights, namely all things alluringly female. The sailors finally narrow down their harried search for the opposite sex in the city and settle for New York’s finest - a taxi driver played by Natalie Jagers, an anthropologist played by Kate Willer and a Miss Turnstyles played by Jessica McKenzie.

“On the Town” opens with the dawn of a New York morning, and Aaron Styles, a construction worker, serenades the early risers. The scenery and lighting fulfill the large space and are entrancing. Nancy McCauley and Michael Skinner are the scenery and lighting designers respectively. The intricate New York skyline meshes well with the lighting of a foggy New York morning. The musicians, conducted by Hans Patrick Grim, are impressive from the start, completing the 40s festivities. The costumes, designed by LaLonnie Lehman, finished off the mood.

The frenzied rush of the sailors trying desperately to do everything in a single day harmonizes with the fast-paced life of an average New Yorker. Director of the show and TCU professor T.J. Walsh does a fine job recreating the bustling crowds of New York, with the ensemble constantly introducing and entertaining us with many different forms of “the subway people.” The singing and acting are exceptionally strong, especially from the leading men and women. “New York, New York” is a vigorous and energetic number, which, by its effectiveness, shows the audience just how much fun the cast are having.

The sailor trio complemented each other well, with Hoffman playing the more intense Ozzie, Perret playing the love-struck Gabey and Meeks playing the comical Chip. Ozzie and the anthropologist, Claire, were a wonderful couple, with their slightly crazy “Get Carried Away” duet.

Jagers, as Hildy the taxi-driver, did a good job of “wearing the pants” in her relationship with the easy-going Chip. Her “I Can Cook” performance was phenomenal.

Cody Perret’s rendition of “You Got Me, Baby” was natural and perfect for the style of the play. His movement and voice never faltered, nor did his love-struck demeanor. The two couples saying their farewells on the subway to the haunting “We’ll Catch up Some Other Day” was a wonderful moment.

Christina Hager topped off her portrayal of the alcoholic Madam Maude Dilly with an amazing voice, and Jorge Davila delivered an exciting Jekyll and Hyde performance as a strange, “understanding” fiancé.

All in all, “On the Town” is a fun, happy show good for all ages. See this if you like love stories, New York and people “singing their thoughts.”