Punctuating Noel Coward's witty songs, lyrics, aphorisms, chatter with both sonorous sophistication and often high pacing, A Marvelous Party nonetheless comes up short of the talent it celebrates.
Framed by footlights in front and in back a platform with grand piano and percussion to one side, a singing and dancing three get "Together with Music Tonight." (Engaging Carl Danielsen also pounds an upright to either side on occasion and with fine effect.) They devote Part I to Coward's early career, first highlighting London in his songs and sketches. Here Stephanie Morse shines as a Covent Garden flower seller. Mostly, Coward's contributions to Music Hall are highlighted, and mostly they strike mild chords. "The Stately Homes of England" is tame, and Carl's "What Ho! Mrs. Briskett" is too British, while the men's several sailor routines show their age. Since the most risque, lesser known "Would You Like to Stick a Pin in My Baloon?" is the best, it's a wonder it isn't better punctuated.
As he basks in full regalia in a rattan throne-chair, Robin Haynes' "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" provides fun, if a bit quickly. All three collaborate on mildly amusing dramatized song about a widowed British socialite at an Italian resort. Way too long is a mini-play centering on Stefanie's "Cocoanut Girl."
With footlights removed, Part 2 gets to modern renditions of Coward's later, more famous work. A red satin-gowned Stefanie sings she's "Mad About the Boy." A tipsy, tuxed Robin brags "I Went to a Marvelous Party." Several numbers are done from a suggested deck of a ship. An excerpt from Sail Away makes one wish for a full showing of the musical or one of Coward's complete shows. The wish is reinforced by "Some Day I'll Find You" and "I'll Follow My Secret Love." Saved for the end is the lively tribute to Noel in Las Vegas in 1955, when he paid tribute to Cole Porter.
A Marvelous Party seems to be a more ambitious undertaking -- with the costumes, dancing, and musicianship on display -- than FST's similar Cabaret revues. But it doesn't quite come up to Mainstage standards.
Cowardy Custard and O Coward! remain the best celebrations of Noel done in Sarasota, along with Noel and Gertie. With Summerfest '09 at FST repeating two shows from other seasons, a third repeat might have better fit the bill.
