Tyne Daly And Dear World Show Us One Voice Can Make A Difference

Tyne Daly, Kristopher Thompson-Bolden Photo by: Ben Strothmann

"If music is no longer lovely,
If laughter is no longer lilting,
If lovers are no longer loving,
Then I don't want to know."

Ann Harada, Tyne Daly, Alison Fraser Photo by: Ben Strothmann

The Musical in Mufti staged reading at the York Theatre, of the 1969 musical Dear World is enchanting with star Tyne Daly. Growing up on this score by Jerry Herman, I thrilled to Angela Lansbury, Jane Connell, the songs “I Don’t Want To Know,” “Garbage” and “But I Never Said I Loved You,” which was in my audition book countless years ago. Having never had the chance to see the show performed, I was looking forward to finally putting all the pieces together. The orginal book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, has been revised by David Thompson (based on an adaptation by Maurice Valency of the play The Madwoman of Chaillot by Jean Giraudoux). It is now the title song that touches my heart and it’s relevance to today, could easily become our anthem.

Dewey Caddell, Kristopher Thompson-Bolden, Ben Cherry, Tyne Daly, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Alison Fraser, Ann Harada Photo by: Ben Strothmann

"Someone has wounded you, dear world,
Someone has poisoned you, dear world.
And those who love you defiantly insist
That you get off that critical list.
So make your recovery quick, world,
We're sick of having a sick world.
We want you dancing tomorrow afternoon,
So be a dear world,
Take the stitches out, dear world,
Rip the bandage off, dear world.
And get well soon!"

Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Peter Land, Gordon Stanley, J. Bernard Calloway, Stephen Mo Hanan Photo by: Ben Strothmann

The show follows Countess Aurelia (Tyne Daly) as she learns of a prospector (Gordon Stanley, Ragtime) who senses that there is oil underneath a cafe bistro. He catches the attention of three corporate presidents (The fabulous Peter Land, Ruthless, My Fair Lady; J. Bernard Calloway, Memphis and Stephen Mo Hanan.) Together they send their lap dog Julian (Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, A Little Night Music) to blow up the bistro, but instead he throws it over a bridge. Thinking Julian is trying to commit suicide the Sergeant (Dewey Caddell, Finian’s Rainbow) knocks him out and brings him to the cafe. He falls in love with Nina (Erika Henningsen, Les Miserables) the bistro’s waitress at first sight. The eccentric Countess teams up with her two best friends the overtly sexual Constance (the outrageously marvelous Alison Fraser, March of the Falsettos) and Gabrielle with her imaginary dog (Ann Harada, Avenue Q). They call on the Sewerman (Lenny Wolpe, Wicked) for his expertise.

Alison Fraser Photo by: Ben Strothmann

When Ms Daly, Ms. Fraiser and Ms. Harada get together for “Tea Party,” sparks fly with triple counterpoint and witty innuendo’s.

Ann Harada Photo by: Ben Strothmann

Rounding out the cast are Ben Cherry, (Fiddler on the Roof) as The Waiter and Kristopher Thompson-Bolden as The Mute.

Alison Fraser, Lenny Wolpe
Photo by: Ben Strothmann

The York Theatre Company’s Dear World is perfectly cast. Daly chooses her own reality and breaks our hearts as she hauntingly sings  “I Don’t Want to Know” and “And I Was Beautiful.”Ms. Fraiser all but steals the show with her wide eyed insanity and perfect timing. Wolpe gets the most out of his role with his clear vocals and stamp on reality. Mr Land stands out in a smaller role and Ms. Henningsen gloriously sings “But I Never Said I Loved You.”Mr. Thompson-Bolden may only have one line, but don’t count him out.

Gordon Stanley, Peter Land, Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Stephen Mo Hanan, J. Bernard Calloway
Photo by: Ben Strothmann

The direction by Michael Montel is simple, yet effective. The musical direction by Christopher McGovern, makes the score sound crisp and fresh. The scenic design by James Morgan, Lightening by Brian Mason is well done and to be commended.

Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, Tyne Daly Photo by: Ben Strothmann

David Thompson’s adaptation is relevant to today, as corporations pursue oil and natural resources, humanity and our world will always be threatened. One voice can make a difference and this show lets that voice be heard.

The cast of Dear World Photo by: Ben Strothmann

Dear World: The York Theatre Company,619 Lexington Ave, March 1 at 7:30, 2 at 8:00, 3 at 8:00, 4 at 2:30 and 8:00, and  5 at 2:30 and 7:00 p.m.