Go back to the 1940s when Hollywood was churning out movies and script writers were used up and spit out like stale chewing gum. (A typical line from that era.) Here we have the time frame and plot for “City of Angels.” Producer Peter Mandel brings this inventive and complicated musical to Morgan Hill’s South Valley Civic Theater.
Larry Gelbart, who gave us the TV series “Mash” and the screen play for “Tootsie,” wrote this Tony award-winning book with music by Cy Colman that debuted on Broadway in 1990.
It is an intricate plot, which enters the caverns of the mind of New York novelist Stine (well-played and sung by Rob Christopher), hired as a Hollywood script writer. This is a detective story, murder mystery and movie being produced within a play. You can feel the flavor and dialogue of Mickey Spillane and Raymond Chandler in the black and white segments of this film-noire.
The real characters appear in Stein’s pressurized world in color, while the counterparts of his life appear as characters of his imagination—in black, white and gray—as he writes about them. The staging is tricky and it moves very fast. There are more than 40 characters and the audience must pay attention or the plots can become confusing. The most engaging element of the production is when Stine decides to rewrite a scene by tapping on his typewriter to change his copy—the characters reverse their action and words as if in a rewind mode.
The sets are original and retain attention. They change with a quick staccato momentum and fit the mood. There are about 40 scenes in this show—at least double the number for the average production.
Director Myra Kaelin moves the cast and crew with a strong, controlling hand. Cindy Powell as the other woman, the loyal, but taken for granted secretary, plays the role with believable resignation and delivers “You Can Count On Me” in the second act, and it’s one of the most entertaining numbers of the show.
Aaron Weisberg, as Stone, handles one of the most difficult sustaining roles in the production and comes through with warmth and humor.
The Angel City Four—Rachelle Abbey, Roberta Vinkhuyzen, Sven Schutz and Michael Carey—belt out a jazzy type of harmony that is pleasant to the ear and brings in some smooth scene transitions. The cast is energetic and deliver Cy Coleman’s music with first-rate voices.
“City of Angels” isn’t the run of the mill, happy go-lucky musical. You won’t leave the theater humming any of the songs or remember any glitzy production numbers, but you will think about it and realize that it was a very different and special experience.
Through: June 14
Running time: Two hours and 45 minutes.
Tickets: $18 – $22
Details: (408) 842-7469 or visit SVCT.org.
