Broadway's Best in Concert presentation of a musical in two acts with book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin. Directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman. Produced by Marcia Seligson. Director Arthur Allan Seidelman and choreographer Rob Barron have taken what was supposed to be an antique and made this 1931 show shine like new. As with the 'Chicago' team, they know that when you've got the goods a great score and book there's no need for two-ton puppets and hydraulic pumps onstage.
Minimalism is magnificent.
I Sing' productions are rare creations, indeed. Instead of war, it's a declaration of love that saves the president. Seidelman and company never wink at this material as if they're polishing off some relic for our camp derision. Love Is Sweeping the Country' and the title song, which are fully integrated into the book. President and first lady Wintergreen are no Porgy and Bess, but Harrison and McGovern bring this couple a dimension that even Kaufman and Ryskind probably never envisioned.