REVIEW: Wonderful Town
Diane Lala's last show is a big one!
As Diane Lala’s swansong—as a full-time faculty member, anyway—she directs a massive old-timey musical, full of giant dance numbers, goofy references, and a handful of professional-level performances. While I won’t be rushing to the theatre to see another production of Wonderful Town anywhere else, Lala’s version does the show justice.
Originally premiering on Broadway in 1953, Wonderful Town is a quintessential piece of mid-century musical theater. It features a score by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and a book by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov. Adapted from My Sister Eileen, a series of autobiographical short stories by Ruth McKenney, the musical captures the humor and challenges of two sisters navigating life in 1930s Greenwich Village. Known for its high-energy numbers like “Wrong Note Rag” and heartfelt tunes like “Ohio,” the show won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and remains a beloved example of Bernstein’s brilliance. CCM’s production embraces the grandeur and charm of the original, highlighting the enduring appeal of this classic while bringing Lala’s vibrant interpretation to the Corbett Auditorium stage.
Clocking in at just under two hours and forty-five minutes (including an intermission), this show harkens back to the days when a night at the theater meant an entire evening. Fortunately, the sets, costumes, and lighting design provide gorgeous visuals, while the orchestra, conducted energetically by Ian Axness, is lush and rich.
And of course, there are the kinds of performances one expects from this mecca of musical theater. The two leads—Analese Fusaro (Ruth) and Mikayla Shipe (Eileen)—are charismatic in their roles, walking the line of over-the-top classic musical comedy heroines while remaining honest in their portrayals. Their vocals, again musically directed by Axness, are impeccable, and their magnetism and chemistry is what holds this production together.
Declan Smith (Bob) gives the most grounded performance of the evening, with stellar vocals and nuanced acting. Spencer Stanley balances authenticity and menace as Chick Clark, delivering a tightly controlled and compelling portrayal. Andy Bakun injects physicality into his comedic take on Frank, while other standout actors include Joey Baciocco, Nick Gundrum, and Arden Allmon.
More than anything, Lala is known for her choreography—and this show delivers in spades! Numbers like “Pass the Football,” “Conga,” and “My Darlin’ Eileen” showcase not only the talent of students like Coty Perno, Josh Devine, Brian Cheung, Indya Lincicmoe, and Griffin Simmons (among many others) but also Lala’s legendary precision and creativity.
In her 36th year at CCM, Diane Lala delivers a spirited, visually stunning, and expertly choreographed rendition of Wonderful Town. While the show itself may not be everyone’s cup of tea, CCM’s performers and creative team elevate it to something memorable, offering a fitting farewell to a director who has shaped so many young artists. She will be missed!
WONDERFUL TOWN runs through Saturday evening at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Tickets and more information can be found here.