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'Irving Berlin's 'I Love a Piano' is at Arena Stage in Washington

By LUCIA ANDERSON

Date published: 2/5/2009

For THE FREE LANCE-STAR

WASHINGTON

"Irving Berlin's 'I Love a Piano'" is both a tribute to that iconic composer and an overview of American history during the first half of the 20th century. Pop music as social commentary.

The two creators of this exuberant revue are aided by the wide range of Berlin's tal-ents--ballads, uptempo numbers, dance tunes--and his keen eye for what was happening in the world around him.

As with most revues, there is no real plot, only skits that showcase a number of tunes.

The show starts in the early days of the century, back when everyone had a piano in the parlor and music stores employed singers to hawk sheet music. The three men and three women in the cast take turns with tunes such as "A Pretty Girl Is Like a Melody" and "Alexander's Ragtime Band."

Then the action moves to the speakeasy era in the Roaring '20s, and a wonderful approximation of a silent movie, complete with piano player. Ryan Lammer deserves special note for his acrobatic Buster Keaton-esque performance in the "movie."

The Depression is highlighted with "Blue Skies" and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," among others. That's followed by a segment that includes "Puttin' On the Ritz" and "Cheek to Cheek."

Then comes World War II, with "Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning," "Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)" and "White Christmas."

The first act closes with a rousing rendition of "God Bless America," with Emily Mattheson doing a creditable imitation of Kate Smith.

The second act focuses on the postwar years and includes "Easter Parade," "The Girl That I Marry," "There's No Business Like Show Business" and "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" from "Annie Get Your Gun."

Lammer and Mattheson are joined by Alix Paige, Ashley Peacock, Michael Turay and Jason Weitkamp. The three women all have excellent voices, with Paige's torchy soprano fitting between Mattheson's rich contralto and Peacock's clear coloratura.

What: "Irving Berlin's 'I Love a Piano'" Where: Arena Stage at the Lincoln Theatre, 1215 U St. N.W., Washington When: Through Feb. 15 Cost: $25-$74 Info: 202/488-3300; arenastage.org

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Date published: 2/5/2009