"The Anderson Twins Play the Fabulous Dorseys!" at 59E59 Theater C
“The Anderson Twins Play the Fabulous Dorseys!” at 59E59 Theatre C Written and Directed by Pete and Will Anderson Reviewed by David Roberts Theatre Reviews Limited
Alfred E. Greene’s 1947 film “The Fabulous Dorseys” chronicles the lives of prominent jazz-swing musicians Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. The Anderson Twins, Peter and Will, play the Dorsey brothers in an exhilarating evening of music with the same moniker as the film.
With clips of the well-known film projected on the back wall of 59E59 Theater C, Peter and Will Anderson and four other jazz musicians feature the music that made the Dorsey brothers famous. Although Pete and Will often carry over the content of the film to the band, the mock sibling rivalry pales under the power of the music performed by the twins and their invited musicians.
Joined by trumpeter Jon-Erik Kellso, pianist Ehud Asherie, drummer Kevin Dorn, and bassist Clovis Nicolas, the Anderson brothers blaze through twenty plus Dorsey band favorites, including those written by Jimmy Dorsey: “Dusk in Upper Sandusky (1938); “Hollywood Pastime” (1938); “Beebe” (1929); and “Oodles of Noodles.”
The evening started with Ray Noble’s jazz standard “Cherokee,” followed by Sy Oliver’s 1944 “Opus One” which was featured in the musical “Broadway Rhythm.” Highlights of “The Anderson Twins Play the Fabulous Dorseys!” are: Jimmy Dorsey’s 1929 virtuoso alto saxophone piece “Beebe;” the traditional African-American spiritual “Deep River” arranged by Sy Oliver; two Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov melodies “Song of India” and Jimmy Dorsey favorite “Flight of the Bumblebee;” and Tutti Camarata’s 1941 arrangement of Victor Schertzinger’s “Tangerine.”
All of Sy Oliver’s arrangements were given appropriate care by the sextet giving each of them Oliver’s trademark full bodied “growl” sound. Oliver’s own “Loose Lid Special” was a favorite of the Tommy Dorsey Band (after the breakup of the Dorseys) and the Anderson Twins’ rendition was remarkable.
The six musicians played well together and easily gave one another opportunities to feature individual talents. Outstanding performances were given by Peter and Will as they handily maneuvered between clarinets, saxophones, and flute. The trumpet of Jon-Erik Kellso and the drums of Kevin Dorn also brought audience appreciation. “The Anderson Twins Play the Fabulous Dorseys!” is well worth the visit to the club atmosphere of 58E59 Theater C. Be sure to buy drinks before you head up the stairs as they are allowed in the theater for this performance.
THE ANDERSON TWINS PLAY THE FABULOUS DORSEYS!
Presented by Reardon-Anderson Music at 59E59 Theater C. Written and directed by Pete and Will Anderson.
The featured cast of musicians includes Pete Anderson (clarinet, saxophone, flute), Will Anderson (clarinet, saxophone, flute), Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Ehud Asherie (piano), Kevin Dorn (drums), and Clovis Nicolas (bass).
THE ANDERSON TWINS PLAY THE FABULOUS DORSEYS! began performances on Tuesday, September 11 for a limited engagement through Sunday, October 7. The performance schedule is Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30 PM; Friday at 8:30 PM; Saturday at 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM; and Sunday at 3:30 PM. There are additional performances on Sunday, September 23 and Sunday, September 30 at 7:30 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $25 ($17.50 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or go to www.59e59.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Sunday, September 16, 2012
CEOExpress
