Barry Manilow’s new musical “Harmony” could begin with the lyrics: His name was Josef! He was a rabbi!
The tune from “Copacabana” isn’t here – this isn’t a jukebox show – but the tune the singer is known for abounds. It is one of the better stage scores of the theater season.
Manilow’s musical, which opened off-Broadway on Wednesday night (the composer tested positive for COVID and was unfortunately unable to attend), has a lot going for it. The drama is about a little-known, fascinating piece of World War II history that will have viewers racing to Google during the intermission. Manilow’s score, with lyrics by Bruce Sussman, is pretty and touching at times. And all the singers are sensational.
Still, there is some discord.
theater criticism
2 hours and 30 minutes with one break. At the Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Pl. Until May 8th.
“Harmony,” which has roamed the United States for more than three decades, tells the story of the Comedian Harmonists, a popular German prankster group in the 1920s that was all but extinct after Hitler came to power.
The group played at Carnegie Hall and feuded with Albert Einstein, Josephine Baker and Marlene Dietrich. They toured all over the world, sold millions of records and shot around seven films. Three of the members were Jews or of Jewish descent, the other three were non-Jews.
Josef (Danny Kornfeld) is called Rabbi because he left the Torah to tour; He is joined by a blood-hating surgeon (Eric Peters), a brothel pianist (Blake Roman), an operatic bass player (Sean Bell), a Bulgarian (Steven Telsey) and an actor (Zal Owen).
The Comedian Harmonists are played by Blake Roman, Steven Telsey, Zal Owen, Danny Kornfeld, Eric Peters and Sean Bell.Julieta Cervantes
They all sing sublimely, together and individually – and are impressive yuksters. But it’s Roman just out of school, that’s the most incredible find. He has a soothing, soulful solo in Act 2, which unfortunately has been cut. Luckily it could have gone on forever.
The show’s complexity is achieved when German Jews are stripped of their rights and Jewish music banned across the country, but Hitler allows the Comedian Harmonists to continue performing anyway. The group, the Third Reich decides, can act as propaganda for Nazi Germany abroad.
While the musical’s greatest asset is its sextet of musicians, the real lead is veteran actor Chip Zien, who plays the Rabbi (and a few other hilarious surprise characters) as he ages.
The role of narrator is a new addition to the show, directed by Warren Carlyle, presumably to add some gravity and perspective – and Zien is in excellent form. But the inclusion of the role spoils his character’s ultimate destiny (he’s obviously not an angel) and lends a stuffy air of nostalgia to everything. We always look back.
Chip Zien narrates “Harmony” as a rabbi in old age. Juliet Cervantes
The book by Manilow’s longtime collaborator Sussman also tends towards extremes. Much of Act I is spent introducing us to the six Comedian Harmonists in a catchy but lengthy opening number. They then have a blink-and-you-miss sequence where they’re strangers and – whoops! – are suddenly world famous. The borscht belt jokes are consistently fun, but there are a few too many.
Two roles that could use more meat are the wives, played by Sierra Boggess and Jessie Davidson. Conflicted over their husbands’ role in Germany’s moral decline, they are potentially intriguing. But as gorgeous as their music is, the parts come across easily.
Just like the design. Beowulf Boritt’s set of television screens and minimalist furniture is sure to be paralyzed by an inner-city budget. It would be nice to see something more transportable and evocative.
The long journey of “Harmony” continues. But with Manilow’s fine music and that exceptional cast of actors, it’s worth the extra mile.