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Harmony- A New Musical by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman – Review
Douglas Williams, Tony Yazbeck, Will Taylor, Chris Dwan, Will Blum, and Shayne Kennon in the Alliance Theatre’s 2013/14 production of Harmony A New Musical. September 6 – October 6, 2013. Photo by Greg Mooney.
Many of you know that music and the arts have always been a big part my life. I was in Honors Chorus and Show Choir for many years, so plays and show tunes are in my blood. With that said when I was given the opportunity by the Alliance Theatre to check out Harmony – A New Musical, by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman, I was really excited.
Going into Harmony, I wasn’t sure what to expect… I’ve seen shows on Broadway but each one has it’s own theatrical flair and suits different tastes. I attended the show with Dantè, or as many of you call him “the silent one” and was happy to get his perspective as well as my own. Because live shows and theatre are a dying art, they require so much time and money that I have an absolute appreciation for any show that is put together. However, what I experienced watching Harmony goes far beyond appreciation, it was truly an amazing story accompanied by an exquisite arrangment of music and portrayed by an impeccable cast.
The cast of the Alliance Theatre’s 2013/14 production of Harmony – A New Musical. September 6 – October 6, 2013. Set design by Tobin Ost. Photo by Greg Mooney.
Harmony is based on a true story about “The Comedian Harmonists” a male singing group or boy band of it’s time who endures the trials of living in an anti-semitic Germany, in the 1920’s. The Comedian Harmonists sold millions of records, starred in a dozen films and played in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the world all as they witnessed the world they knew forever changing around them.
The cast of the Alliance Theatre’s 2013/14 production of Harmony – A New Musical. September 6 – October 6, 2013. Photo by Greg Mooney.
I was amazed by the talent of the cast; Rabbi, who acts as narrator for the story, is played by Shayne Kennon also joined by – Tony Yazbeck as Harry; Douglas Williams as Bobby; Chris Dwan as Erich; Will Taylor as Chopin; Will Blum as Lesh; Leigh Ann Larkin as Mary; and Hannah Corneau as Ruth.
The quality of the set design really allows you to become entranced by the story and feel like you’re a part of what’s going on, it was full of many surprises and very pleasing to the eye. Harmony is a thought provoking show that will make you both laugh and cry. I recommend going to see the show for a date night or girls night out! We met a few Manilow fans at the show and they were pretty awesome!, we got lucky because Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman came out to opening night. Both men were truly humble and a pleasure to have around.
Your Life After 25 Gives Harmony a New Musical a 9/10
Let’s Go Behind the Scenes with Barry Manilow, Bruce Sussman, and Tony Speciale – Alliance Theatre
Harmony – A New Musical – Alliance Theatre Trailer
