It truly is ‘A Grand
Night for Singing’

A Grand Night for Singing At 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through Dec. 5 (except Thanksgiving) and Nov. 25, Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter. Tickets: $6-$15. Call 438-4480 or 438-5230.

By John Berger
Special to the Star-Bulletin

DIVIDE an assortment of Rodgers & Hammerstein song classics among seven talented vocalists. Add a few musicians and a simple but elegant set. That's all it takes as Army Community Theatre's "A Grand Night for Singing" lives up to its title.

Kalani Brady and Ben Perry share credit for making "This Nearly Was Mine" a touching moment of masculine commiseration over losing a woman. The duet is magnificent. Brady's solo rendition of "We Kiss in a Shadow" is another highlight.

Grace Bell is an instant hit with "I Can't Say No," and scores with other comic numbers. Belle Ruff Armstrong radiates vibrant emotion with "I'm in Love with a Wonderful Guy." Katie L. Shriver plays Anna to Perry's King for a lighthearted romp through "Shall We Dance."

Tightknit teamwork is the key when Tina Shelton joins Bell, Brady, Perry, Shriver and Mikel J. Humerickhouse for a fast-moving, change-your-partners version of "Don't Marry Me."

The program juxtaposes songs from 11 shows. No one will object to hearing five songs each from "South Pacific," "The King & I" or "Oklahoma!" The songs from other productions that aren't staged here as often may be welcome discoveries for younger Broadway fans.

Director Cecilia Fordham adds interest by taking some songs out of their original context. "Honey Bun" feels different when Humerickhouse sings the Nellie Forbush lead straight and the women play sailors. Perry's solo take on "Love Look Away" puts that song in fresh perspective as well.

Some numbers effectively utilize the performers' acting skills, but this is primarily a celebration of these great songs. The women change gowns during intermission; the men wear dinner jackets throughout.