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BROADWAY AND THE BARD Send This Review to a Friend
Distinguished actor Len Cariou says he has nursed the idea for “Broadway and The Bard” ever since he did Shakespeare early in his long career. Finally it has come to fruition in a production that he conceived along with Barry Kleinbort, who directs the show, and Mark Janas, musical director and pianist. Cariou is very likeable, which makes him and his performance extremely congenial. The idea is a novel one. First he performs a passage from Shakespeare, and then he sings a Broadway musical song meant to carry forth the theme of the Bard’s words.
It might have been better if Cariou had achieved his dream when he was younger and his singing voice was in better shape. However, fine actor that he is, he nails the emotions and the fun of the numbers right, and his voice rises to power in the climaxes. As for his handling Shakespeare, his intelligence and experience show in the interpretations of the excerpts he chooses.
Examples of the combinations: A recitation from “Henry V” followed by the song “Applause” by Charles Strouse and Lee Adams. And an excerpt from “Richard II,” followed by Cariou signing “If I Ruled the World” by Cyril Ornadel and Leslie Bricusse.
There are many such combinations in the intermission-less program that Cariou presents seamlessly, some working better than others. My favorite is his teaming a passage by Prospero from “The Tempest,” with the ever-delightful, ultra clever “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” by Cole Porter. Cariou clearly relishes his opportunity and that spices the performance with personality. At the Lion Theatre, 410 West 42nd Street. Reviewed February 5, 2016.
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