Joel, Tharp Join Forces in Touring ‘Movin’
Out’
By Gretchen R. Crowe
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the Issue of 12/14/06)
“Bottle of red, bottle of white, whatever kind of mood you’re
in tonight. I’ll meet you anytime you want at our Italian restaurant.”
Lyrics from Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant”
set the stage for Twyla Tharp’s musical creation “Movin’
Out” playing through Dec. 23 at National Theatre in Washington.
“Movin’ Out” is a different type of musical. Movement
of the plot relies entirely on Tharp’s choreography, the dancing
of the principals, and the voice of one Piano Man (Darren Holden),
who is settled on a raised platform above the stage among a group
of talented rock musicians. The show is a patchwork quilt of 24 Joel
songs, with Joel’s fictional characters brought into four dimensions
through Tharp’s imagination and dance moves. There’s Brenda
(Holly Cruikshank) and Eddie (Ron Todorowski) from “Scenes,”
Tony (David Gomez) and Sergeant O’Leary from “Movin’
Out/Anthony’s Song,” James (Matthew Dibble) from the work
by the same name, and Judy (Laura Feig) from “Why Judy Why.”
The story starts dark and only gets darker before culminating in an
upbeat finale. Beginning in the 1960s, it follows the above sextet
of characters from high school, to war, to losing their way, to finding
it again. With only song lyrics and choreography to propel the plot
forward, it’s easy to lose track of what’s going on. Synopses
of the two acts are provided in the playbill, along with a list of
titled scenes that help narrate.
Though the dancing is magnificent and the talent of the actors is
very evident, Tharp’s classical choreography sometimes seems
at odds with some of Joel’s more upbeat compositions. Only so
much can be expressed through Brenda’s long-legged high kicks.
The creative duo do fall in sync, however, during the slower pieces,
especially “She’s Got a Way” and “Shameless.”
The musical touches on the tragedy of war, and there are several graphic
scenes in the second act depicting Eddie’s destructive behavior
before he redeems himself in the end.
The cast of “Movin’ Out” will rotate while engaged
in Washington. Local dancer Rasta Thomas will take on the role of
Eddie during the second week of performances.
For information or tickets go to www.telecharge.com or call 212/239-6200.
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