Reviews
"My first in friend in show business, George M. Cohan, would be beaming. I haven't had a more exciting experience since the opening night of 'My Fair Lady'."
- Joe Franklin, WBBR/Bloomberg Radio
"Chip Deffaa has done the musical theater a great service by reminding us of its roots with THE GEORGE M. COHAN REVUE. The show, currently playing at Danny's Skylight Room, was conceived, written, and directed by Deffaa. The energetic performances of nearly 60 songs of varying length and fame, and the history behind those songs, give the show a lift. So does the talent and charm of the actor playing Cohan: Jon Peterson, a gifted singer-dancer-actor with a winsome way that pulls you right into his character and into the show."
- Scott Siegel, Barbara Siegel, TheaterMania
"There's nothing lean about THE GEORGE M. COHAN REVUE, the ambitious new show running on a scattered schedule at Danny's Skylight Room in July. By the time Jon Peterson (as Cohan) gets around to singing "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy," you know he's someone special. An extraordinary tap dancer who recalls the likes of John Bubbles and Donald O'Connor, it's clear that Peterson is headed for stardom. With rubberlike legs and feet that seem to move faster than sound, diverse acting skills, and an expressive baritone, he galvanizes the room in the 75-minute show. Having toured as the Emcee in "Cabaret" (and served as standby for the role on Broadway), the English actor is a ball of energy heading a multitalented cast that includes Dawne Swearingen, Hal Blankenship, Joan Jaffe, Catherine Remmert, and Drew Emerson, with Michael Townsend Wright as the narrator and Michael Lavine as musical director-arranger. Conceived, written, and directed by Chip Deffaa, with choreography by Justin Boccitto, this theatre piece in a cabaret setting tells the story of one of the 20th century's most accomplished entertainers and songwriters, complete with period costumes and wigs. As the narrator, Wright relates anecdotes of the Cohan family's struggle playing first the vaudeville circuit, then Broadway circa the late 19th century. This is done through a series of cutesy vignettes. Particular highlights include rousing readings of "You're a Grand Old Flag," "The American Ragtime," and "Give My Regards to Broadway." Dawne Swearingen is excellent on several solos and duets, including "All My Boys." Overall, THE GEORGE M. COHAN REVUE should have a future. I look forward to watching it grow.
- John Hoglund, Backstage
"THE GEORGE M. COHAN REVUE is an ambitious and awe-inspiring tribute to "the man who owned Broadway." Using over 40 songs, most by Cohan but a few revised/composed by Deffaa himself, the amazing life of George M. Cohan unfolds. Jon Peterson commands the stage with his dancing and singing and mere presence."
- Laurie Lawson, Electronic Link
"Conceived, written, and directed by Chip Defaa, THE GEORGE M. COHAN REVUE sparkles like the fourth of July fireworks with songs like 'Over There', 'Mary's a Grand Old Name', and 'Give My Regards to Broadway'. Even in today's divided America, you've got to feel inspired with these tunes.
To no small degree, the show is ignited and kept sizzling by Jon Peterson as Cohan. Peterson never slacks off in his portrayal. Cohan was a supercharged performer who produced his own musicals as well as starred in them. Peterson had played Cohan in Defaa's previous full-length musical 'George M. Cohan: In His Own Words', and hopefully he will continue to portray Cohan in upcoming projects planned by Defaa. With an impish air, Peterson inhabits the inner fire of the composer; he sings with enthusiasm and dances as vibrantly as anyone could on a limited cabaret stage. Michael Lavine deserves a salute for his piano accompaniment and additional vocals. Also notable are Dawn Swearingen as Cohan's sister, Josie, and Catherine Remmert as Cohan's wife."
- Elizabeth Ahlfors, Cabaret Scenes
"Old-fashioned patriotism may be out of date among sophisticated
Manhattanites, but don't miss THE GEORGE M. COHAN REVUE at
Danny's Skylight Room. It's
an ebullient biographical account, miraculously achieved on Danny's
tiny
stage, and conceived by hard-core Cohan enthusiast Chip Deffa.
He saw the famous biopic "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (James Cagney's
Oscar) at age seven on TV and never got over it. As Cohan, Jonny Peterson taps with
demonic precision and belts those flag-wavers with the quivering intensity of
Judy Garland (a good thing). Corny? Yes, but relevant. Our current president could learn a lot from the lyrics of "You're a Grand Old Flag". Forever in peace may you wave. Every heart beats true for the red, white and blue, where there's never a boast or brag."
- David Noh, New York Blade
"Even as the Amazing Kreskin I could not have foreseen that THE GEORGE M. COHAN REVUE would give me the most delightful night in many a day.... Jon Peterson makes you forget James Cagney."
- The Amazing Kreskin
"Jonny Peterson is the freshest find of the season! His George M. Cohan is at once charming, dynamic and bubbling with old-time showbiz pizzazz."
- Jim Caruso, "Cast Party" on BroadwayWorld.com Radio
"What a perfect time to honor George M. Cohan! THE GEORGE M. COHAN REVUE, Chip Deffaa's tribute to the Yankee Doodle Dandy's life and musical contributions, opened this past weekend, just as we celebrated the July 4th holiday.
Considered the foremost living authority on Cohan, Deffaa has culled from a lifetime of Cohan hits and lesser-known gems and miraculously crams them into this little production. Conceived, written and directed by Deffaa, the show boasts 45 Cohan songs in 75 minutes, which it delivers at madcap speed.
From the opening sequence to the finale, we are taken on the journey of George's life; how he was destined for Broadway the minute he was born, his youth as song and dance man, his heyday as songwriter and producer, and ultimately his golden years. His father Jerry (played by a debonair Hal Blankenship) was lured by the excitement of vaudeville, and his wife Nellie (a stately Joan Jaffe) and kids Josie (Dawne Swearingen) and George (Jon Peterson) followed suite. Entrenched in the theatrical world his entire life, George gained intimate mastery of all aspects of "the show business" and at a young age began writing songs for the family act and ultimately took control of its direction. Hard to believe but when his songs were initially published, they were not well received. After all, it was the turn of the century, and in addition to sentimental waltzes publishers were releasing songs discouraging women from debauchery. Instead of the overworked themes of gloom and doom, George chose to write songs celebrating life. It would be while until they took off but eventually, with their fresh lyrics and Irish lilts that favored well with a generation of immigrants, his patriotic ballads were embraced by the public and laid the foundation for modern musicals.
This narrative is told entirely through song and dance, interspersed with some fascinating facts about his family, upbringing and career provided by the Narrator (Michael Townsend Wright), who also sings occasionally. The rest of the actors do a fine job chiming in, as well as hoofing it up in the dance numbers choreographed by Justin Boccitto, who, despite the tiny space, manages to creatively stage some wonderful steps evoking the jazzy 1920s. Michael Levine ably accompanies on the piano and offers extra vocals along with Catherine Remmert and Drew Emerson, who round out the cast.
But the real star of the show is Peterson, who gives a rousing performance as Cohan with his swift tapping and astounding gusto. His bright voice and high energy is infectious and by the third number alone he has already given so much of himself he's practically out of breath. At this point one wonders how he will get through another 40 songs but, incredibly, he cranks them out with tremendous dedication and genuine passion. One wishes Peterson had a larger stage to show off his talent, but he still manages to knock your socks off.
And what a smorgasbord of Cohan ditties! Of course there are the beloved standards like Give My Regards to Broadway, I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy, Mary's a Grand Old Name, You're a Grand Old Flag and Over There. It is a particular treat to hear many of these songs in their entirety. But there some real finds in this show, such as the peppy "Barnum and Bailey Rag", the swooning "Nellie Kelly", the witty "Money" and "I'm Mighty Glad I'm Living and That's All," during which George takes a poignant look back on his life.
No doubt you will leave Danny's tapping and clapping and the cherishing the musical legacy of George M. Cohan."
- Kerrie Smith, Theater Scene
Musicals101 has an abiding interest in anything involving George M. Cohan, the multi-talented dynamo who dominated Broadway in the early 1900s. So you can understand how fascinated we are to see a new revue of his ditties. But time has passed. A hundred years after their creation, are Cohan's songs still stage worthy? The George M. Cohan Revue proves the answer is a resounding yes! And we're not just talking the old reliables that everyone whistles on patriotic occasions. This charming show trots out dozens of Cohan rarities, and each and every one is solid entertainment. What's amazing is that this newborn show is so enjoyable in a simple showcase production.
Author Chip Deffaa has been working on a series of shows examining Cohan's legacy. This latest incarnation uses just enough dialogue to keep things in context, but otherwise lets Cohan songs speak for themselves. And what a joy it is to hear them! This is the perfect vehicle for a small and talented cast of eight, so summer theatres and community groups take note -- nostalgic but fresh, The George M. Cohan Revue might be the perfect thing for your next season.
Yes, we get to revel in "Mary," "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and other familiar favorites. But we also get to meet the likes of "Telephone Me Baby," "The American Ragtime" and "Dancing My Worries Away." Without exception, these songs still have genuine audience appeal, a quality that Cohan's father Jerry used to call "the listen." Each one gets and keeps your attention, often calling forth a smile or chuckle. And it is grand to feel the genuine tingle that "Give My Regard to Broadway" and "Your a Grand Old Flag" can set off.
Of course, none of this would work if the cast was not sympatico. Rather than imitate Cohan's wry and sometimes grating performance style, Jon Peterson makes the role his own -- a wise move, since Peterson has enough personality and talent to fill most any stage. He's a natural, the sort of actor you can't help falling for. Too many performers think that "musical comedy" means smiling till it visibly hurts, hitting audiences over the head with forced energy to win applause. Peterson is the real thing, so relaxed and likeable that you enjoy having opportunities to cheer him on. I can only hope we see a lot more of this man on New York stages in years to come.
Broadway veterans Hal Blankenship and Joan Jaffe sparkle as Cohan's vaudevillian parents, and Dawne Swearingen shows a sweet soprano as sister Josie. Michael Townsend Wright as the narrator and ensemble members Catherine Remmert and Drew Emerson round out the company, all delivering the songs the Cohan would have wanted -- clean, straightforward interpretations, with some fine choral singing along the way. Tap choreography can be a tricky business on a small cabaret stage, but Justin Boccito devised some surprisingly effective numbers.
In its present incarnation, the libretto includes a narrator and statements by the various characters. I'm not sure that both are necessary -- these people can tell us all we need to know. Other than this, Deffaa's script delivers a lot of information without turning into a dry history lesson. It's fun all the way, and his direction kept things moving smoothly from the get go.
In short, The George M. Cohan Revue is a musical lover's treat. If you don't know much about Cohan, this is a great way to encounter his songs and find out why he was such a theatrical legend.
- John Kenrick, Musicals101.com
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