


.com If you think that musicals are only outsize, outlandish spectacles hatched on Broadway, The It Girl deftly shows that there are other options. This small show was created in 2001 at the York Theater--located in a church's basement, it's as close as you get to a barn in New York City. Loosely based on the 1927 Clara Bow vehicle It, the show gleefully runs through all the 1920s classic situations and characters: chases, flappers, mistaken identities, a boat cruise, a department-store heir, and fake French accentsit's all there. You can almost hear the ghost of P.G. Wodehouse, librettist for the Gershwins' Jazz Age classics, cheering. The It Girl breezes through thanks to its cast's game can-do energy and the strength of Paul McKibbins and B.T. McNicholl's perky tunes, which deploy nice melodic resources and make the most of a six-piece band. There's enough knowing pastiche here to keep the saccharine at bay, but the creative team also shows genuine resource and love for musicals as a genre. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
B**N
charming new flapper musical
THE IT GIRL opened Off-Broadway at the York Theatre in 2001. A loose musical adaptation of the classic Clara Bow film "It", the show was unfortunate because, whether Broadway or Off-Broadway, 2001 was all about "The Producers". That's a real shame because, of all the musicals staged that season, one of the strongest was THE IT GIRL.Tunes will instantly become lodged in your head ("Why Not?" often does in mine!), performances are suitably peppy and lightweight; Jean Louisa Kelly does a lovely job in the lead role. Paul McKibbons and B.T. McNicholl's score blazes along in true flapper style. Sadly the show never moved to Broadway (the following season instead saw another bobbed-haired twenties heroine, "Thoroughly Modern Millie", make her stage debut), but THE IT GIRL's cast album thankfully remains. Recommended.
J**E
Can't Get Enough of "It"
I took my daughter to see a production of this at a theatre in Hopewell where I sometime perform. We really enjoyed the show, and my daughter asked me to buy her a copy if the CD. I can't stop listening to this show. Great score...great orchestrations and great performances. I'm going to buy myself a copy too.
M**M
This show is "How Do You Say...?" (Ah, yes) AMAZINGLY GREAT!
This show has a STELLAR cast! The cast is relatively small, only consisting of three men and four women. The music is original and REALLY clever (and based in the 1920s...GREAT TIME)! I listen to this cast album MORE than any other (and I have A LOT of cast albums)! Some of the MOST appealing tracks are "A Perfect Plan," "Coney Island" and "Step Into Their Shoes"! This would be A GREAT show for small theatres or small companies of actors! You'll be glad you bought this cast album after you take the time to listen to it all the way through at least once. You'll find a few songs you like and listen to those OVER and OVER. Two weeks later you'll find a few more songs you like and do the same! ... This is an A+ show!
A**R
Definitive Album of ITs Genre
You can hear wonderfully subtle touches in this excellent, incredibly well-crafted cast recording -- a banjo and a violin give it an authentic, period sound. The tuneful, charming melodies and clever, witty lyrics will appeal to people of all ages (my 3-yr old immediately picked up "Step Into Their Shoes" and demands that it be played over and over!), and the songs are full of joy and innocence. Just what we need more of in this day and age!
D**D
At Last!
I saw this great little show when it was at the York and I was hoping there would be a cast recording, because a show like this one deserves a CD! The music is terrific. While listening to this CD, you fell like you're back in the roaring 20's, but still have a foot in the present - what fun!!! Jean Louisa Kelly is a star and one to watch. The quality of the recording is top notch and the graphics are eye catching. Order this baby!!!
A**S
Wonderful show with great music and lyrics
My family loved this show. Our eight year old son kept singing the songs and humming the tunes. He even wanted to listen to it at bedtime. Very catchy lyrics with tunes that keep your feet tapping. The show is full of songs that continually creep into your mind during the day. I often found myself humming a tune or two over and over. Highly recommend.
B**T
The music is a dissapointment
For people who have seen it, this is probably a good way to remember this production.Bur for me who haven't, this cd is a dissapointment. The music is extremely standard. Both compositions and arrangements don't bring anything special.
L**C
Five Stars
great
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