“By Jeeves,” at 1st Stage, is a sprightly spoof of musicals, theatrical convention, overblown romanticism, British class distinctions and many things American. Inspired by the works of P.G. Wodehouse, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and book and lyrics by Alan Ayckbourn, in its best moments “By Jeeves” flashes tributes to the brilliance of Noel Coward and the silliness of Gilbert and Sullivan. Apart from those moments, it provides two hours of admirably frivolous fun. “By Jeeves” takes place in England about 1934. The central character, the rich but somewhat inept Bertie Wooster (Edward Nagel), is about to perform a banjo concert to benefit his church when his banjo disappears. As he always does when at a loss, Bertie turns to his ever-calm valet, Jeeves (Matt Dewberry) for advice, and Jeeves recommends that Bertie relate the story of a weekend adventure.
The relationship between Jeeves and Bertie is crucial to the musical, and Nagel and Dewberry make a tremendous team in this production. Jeeves is director, stage manager, prop master and prompter, drolly directing his “man” when Bertie absent-mindedly forgets what he is doing onstage. Nagel, who has a clear, sweet tenor voice, delivers some of the show’s best songs. Although he doesn’t sing much (his one patter song is delightful), Jeeves’ quiet, stable presence is an essential element of “By Jeeves.”
| ONSTAGE |
| ‘By Jeeves’ |
| » Where: 1st Stage, 1524 Spring Hill Road, McLean |
| » When: 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday |
| » Info: $30; 703-854-1856; 1ststagetysons.org |
The rest of the flamboyant characters who swirl around Bertie and Jeeves are portrayed by extremely talented actors, whose ability to work as ensemble accounts for the polish of the production. Katie Nigsch-Fairfax, who plays Wooster’s ex-fiancee Honoria Glossop, is a particularly fine singer.
Joshua Rosenblum is amusing as Bingo Little, Bertie’s friend who is in love with Honoria. The gifted Allison Leigh Corke plays a super-emotional Madeline Bassett. Michael Shenefelt portrays a friend of Bertie’s who is in love with Madeline. Cyrus Budge III, an obnoxious American guest, is nicely portrayed as a muscular nitwit by J. B. Tadena.
Directed by Stevie Zimmerman and choreographed by Jordan Gehley, the action moves quickly and swiftly around the small playing area at 1st Stage, which is transformed into a stylized church hall by set designer Jerry Kearns. The costumes, by Cheryl Patton Wu and Jesse Shipley, capture the essence of 1940s British upper-class chic, both in London and the countryside.
Jeffry Newberger provides the lively musical direction in this production. Billie Whittaker at the piano and a bassist (Eric Seay on opening night) are seated just offstage, helping transition from script to song. Their upbeat music mirrors the jazzy onstage antics of Jeeves, Bertie and their extraordinary friends.
