‘Strut!’ Keeps the Jive Alive

The durability of Fran Charnas’ 1975 perennially staged musical nostalgia-fest, “The All Night Strut!,” a revue of American standards mostly from the 1930s and ‘40s, attests to the cross-generational resonance in such sentimental classics as “GI Jive,” “In the Mood,” “As Time Goes By” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

This tribute to the swing and sway, jump and jive, sass and romance of the past, from “Chattanooga Choo-Choo” to “Lullaby of Broadway,” is raising the rafters at the Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton. That’s not always a good thing. When singers Lance Roberts, Victoria G. Platt, Amy Prothro and Geoffrey Washburn cut loose too close to the old-time standing microphones, harmonies and melodies blur in an ear-smacking assault.

A certain formulaic emotional buildup in several numbers makes this occur too often for comfort. Prothro is particularly prone to overdo the decibels. A sweet-voiced soprano in more subtle stylings, her most exuberant offerings might cut glass.

The intermittent vocal blasts also detract from the standout efforts of the terrific onstage veteran jazz musicians: pianist-conductor Lloyd Cooper, Ron Barrows on trumpet, Duane Benjamin on trombone, Bobby Haynes on bass, percussionist Richard Martinez and woodwind player John Stephens.

The rewards are plentiful, however, when cast, sound system and vocal and instrumental dynamics are in accord.

Songs are spiced up with comic and sexy interplay between the couples, who also swing dance and boogie up a storm throughout, and each singer has a center-stage moment--Washburn’s sensitive “Comin’ In On a Wing and a Prayer” and Platt’s sultry “Operator” are notable highlights.

Roberts, a veteran of many “Strut” tours, directs and is the vocal anchor, adding necessary depth and emotion with his big, warm baritone. His unexpectedly stirring rendition of the 1932 “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime” is memorable.

Lighting designer Michael Eugene Fairman provides mood-enhancing backgrounds of luminous color, night skies and city lights; the pinstriped suits, short skirts and peplum blouses, WWII-era military garb and white-and-black tie evening wear and satiny, slinky gowns are provided by Strut’n Partners, Los Angeles CA.

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“The All Night Strut!,” Fullerton Civic Light Opera at Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.; July 25-27 at 8 p.m.; July 27-28 at 2 p.m. Ends July 28. $16-$40. (714) 879-1732, (714) 526-3832. Running time: 1 hour, 45 minutes.

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Singers:

Baritone--Lance Roberts

Alto--Victoria G. Platt

Soprano--Amy Prothro

Tenor--Geoffrey Washburn

Musicians:

Bass--Bobby Haynes Percussion--Richard Martinez Pianist/Conductor--Lloyd Cooper Trombone--Duane Benjamin Trumpet--Ron Barrows

Woodwind--John Stephens

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Presented by Fullerton Civic Light Opera in association with Strut’n Partners. Conceived by Fran Charnas. Directed by Lance Roberts. Musical Director, Darryl W. Archibald. Costumes and set, Strut’n Partners, Los Angeles CA. Lighting Designer Michael Eugene Fairman. Stage Manager, Anna Woo. Sound Designer, A. J. Gonzalez.