Cherry Grove Loves “I Love New York” – by Sherri Rase

The Arts Project of Cherry Grove’s Summer Season is in full effect.  The season’s second show, John DeMarco’s “I Love New York” opened Saturday, June 21 to raves from the community.

This fast-paced revue covers more than a century of music and showcases some of Cherry Grove’s best loved and fresh talent as well as introducing us to some new New York cabaret artists to watch.

The show opens with three sailors, George McGarvey, James Belzer and James Duus, singing “New York New York” and inquiring to local denizen Denise Harbin which show to see, all under the watchful eye of Sally Ann Piacentino.  Denise, a businessman, of course says “42^nd Street” and the fun begins as the entire cast becomes a horde of tuxedo clad dancing chorines

Segue to a medley of New York hits by the incomparable Rose Levine, a Fire Island favorite.  Rose will also be appearing in “Curtain Up” August 2nd…so save the date!

Zac Mordechai and Queen Lola are a crack up in “Latin from Manhattan” where a girl isn’t always what she seems, nor is a boy.  Reinforcing that is Lola’s tour de farce performance of “I Feel Pretty”, a quintessential West Side favorite. You’ll – um – “reflect” on it for some time!

James Duus has quite a bit to do in this show, but in “Give My Regards to Broadway” he shows off one of his newest talents – tap dancing!  Is there nothing he can’t do?

Bill Perez is noted for his love of wry situations and his song “I’m Glad I Live in NY” is no exception.  This new song, almost alone among the myriad of standard gems in this show, gives so many reasons why New York is tops!

“Broadway My Street” is Freedner Twins as Vaudeville – if you’ve never seen Ruth and Susan together – wowza!  You can tell ‘em apart if you know ‘em, otherwise good luck!  This fast patter song is perfect for these New York natives, who know well of what they singspiel.

Like the Birth of Venus, Dale Lally emerges as a newly arrived bright-eyed hopeful just in from the provinces in his energetic “Not for the Life of Me”.  Tailor-made the song seems for him, and his dulcet voice, wide smile and big blue eyes make one heckuva summer bouquet!  Dale’s here to stay!

Some songs are so strongly associated with certain performers that it takes a special soul to make that song her own.  Jacqueline Presti is that person – her rendition of “Broadway Baby”, done as the perennial ingenue, New York-style, has a great voice, comic poise and a sense of humor.  All combine in this amazing performance.

Act I closes with the quintessential disco song – “Fire Island” by the Village People.  Sally Ann Piacentino leads the pack as the sexy Cop who liberally dispenses tickets to the audience.  Jason Versace as the Construction Worker and Dale Lally as the Cowboy are sexy go-go boys gyrating on elevated stages while Leatherman Arthur Cohen (!) cruises the Cop.  There’s a surprise cameo by musical director Chris Vassiliades as a Meat Rack denizen who is light on his feet and daring with his towel!

There was an audible intake of breath at the beginning of Act II when the entire cast shows off their finest togs in “Easter Bonnet”.  A series of beautiful moving pictures, orchestrated by choreographer George McGarvey, best displayed the handsome “men” and beautiful “ladies” in the Cherry Grove Easter Parade, complete with Peeps!

One of the hardest working men in Cherry Grove Show Biz, Chris Vassiliades in showcased in his own arrangement of “Autumn In New York”.  Listen for his melodic mastery and virtuoso technique.  You’ll want his autograph (or more!) after the show.

This coming weekend’s shows will feature Demi Tasse in “You Gotta Work It”!  Don’t miss it!

Zac Mordechai returns with a soulful “Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters”.  A comic genius and a vocal one as well, you’ll be seeing more of him, and searching for where he’ll be next.

George McGarvey returns to the stage, his lyric baritone painting tone pictures in the classic “Manhattan”.  An iconic set frames this song to perfection.

Hearkening back to the golden days of Doo-Wop, Susan Freedner is the leader of a pack that includes her sister Ruth, Denise Harbin, Sherri Rase and Sally Ann Piacentino crooning of their “Coney Island Baby” with moves and looks that even Fonzie thinks is cool!  You’ll be tapping your foot and thinking of your own summers on the “blanket of love”….

Two of the newest faces in Cherry Grove theatre are Alexandra and Zachary Kelly-Spadafino.  These little scene-stealers are children of Thespians Laura Spadafino and Lana Kelly, who are no strangers to the Community House stage, and the apples don’t fall far from the tree.  Alex and Zach introduce Lana’s bravura “Native New Yorker”.  In addition, dancers Bob Verbrugge, Jacqueline Presti and Dale Lally show what it means to live Disco!

James Duus, the Energizer Bunny of Cherry Grove, stops a group of New Yorkers bent on leaving with the classic “New York My Home”.  James involves the audience and inspires his fellow singers to greater heights.

George McGarvey returns with Laura Spadafino and Alex and Zach with the classic “East Side West Side”.  The audience feels like they want to sing along, and they’re welcome to! 

Sherri Rase sings “Real New Yorker”, an original cabaret song that takes you on a peripatetic tour of all the wonderful things that New York is to us.  This work will bring you back to when you knew that you were finally where you belong.

“New York State of Mind” and “New York New York” were high on the hit parade, especially when Rose Levine is at the wheel!  Nobody brings these songs to life like the Rose of Cherry Grove!

The final number of Act II is the song that sums New York up for a lot of us – “NYC” from “Annie”.  James Duus outlines the ups and downs that make us love New York, with Sherri Rase providing the “grace” notes.  Curtis Strohl makes a strong debut in a way that you won’t soon forget!

Is that you Arthur??? Couldn’t keep him backstage forever

Looks like Zachary, a random open mike night recruit by John De Marco. took right to it.

The subway was never like this……….(one can wish)

Tres Amigos……………

During the well-earned bows the cast takes at the end of the show, the audience is invited to “start spreading the news” and join in singing “New York New York”.  Judging from the buzz on the boards this past Sunday, the audience took this to heart.  “I Love New York” was a must-see frothy summer fun with two shows.

Photos by Bruce=Michael Gelbert where indicated, otherwise by Just Lorraine, prints available at PhotoCGFD@aol.com