REVIEWS with an improvised A SWELLEGANT mash-up, later topped by a rollicking duel ELEGANT PARTY with Theo Jamison, accompanied by Marianka Swain had a ball at the her supported fearless tapping Old Vic’s High Society on May 19 personal growth, a atop the pianos. en years after Kelly’s froideur, journey shared by Nathan M beginning his instead taking the maturing Mike and Wright’s vivacious T tenure with Hepburn route newly temperate choreography, The Philadelphia of smart, spirited Dexter, though the transcending a small Story, departing defensiveness. thematically linked space, combines artistic director Kevin When she finally subplot involving the meticulous Busby Spacey finishes in gives into her inner reconciliation of her Berkeley patterning grand style with hedonist, making parents lacks impact. with jubilant abandon. Arthur Kopit’s stage “Let’s Misbehave” a However, High Scene changes are version of High statement of intent, Society’s true appeal effectively covered Society, made a she’s a comedic joy. is its effervescent by the servants’ fully-fledged musical Fleetwood’s full- escapism, and here echoing song-and- with the addition of blooded performance Friedman delivers. dance segments – it’s several – tangentially anchors Maria The moonlight Downton Abbey: The related – Cole Porter Friedman’s astute romance is beautifully Musical. Tom Pye’s songs. Though production, which understated, slick set supports Porter’s witty ditties – setting the action screwball antics the marvellously are irresistible, they in 1958 – converts well paced, arch fluid staging and clutter a first half dated snobbery one-liners punchily produces a moment already burdened into a sympathetic delivered, and, seated of theatrical magic. with sluggish set-up, case for universal in the round, the Outstanding particularly as many compassion. whole audience is turns among a tight underline rather than Remarriage results invited to the party. ensemble include advance the plot. less from Tracy’s Joe Stilgoe’s jazz Jamie Parker’s warm, But once it kicks weakening than maestro warms us up wise-cracking Mike, into high gear, the Rupert Young’s show becomes a toe- The cast of languorous Dexter, tapping, Champagne- High Society Annabel Scholey’s swilling delight. sparky Liz, and Kate Fleetwood’s scene-stealing Tracy Lord, the Ellie Bamber’s socialite torn rebellious Dinah. between feckless As the principals ex-husband Dexter, finally surrender to earnest nouveau unstoppable love, riche fiancé George we too surrender and chippy reporter to this sensational Mike, forgoes Grace shindig. l Photograph © Johan Persson JUNE 2015 \ DANCE TODAY 59.