Marjorie Gunner heads the Outer Critics Circle, theater
critics from communities just outside NYC in the states of New York,
New
Jersey, Connecticut. She writes for papers on Long Island...etc. This is what she had to say about "George M. Cohan: In His Own Words" in her column on October 10th, 2002.
"I was lucky to catch the last performance of the short run of
"George M.
Cohan in his Own words" at the Chashama Theater on 42nd Street. It
should
find a new home for is solid musical entertainment and fine historical
rendering of the actor/writer/director/dancer and producer from 1878 to
1942.
"Chip Deffaa has written and staged the piece in George M. Cohan's
style.
Jon Peterson doesn't look Irish, but he has the charm, wit and those
tapping
feet so boffo in Cohan's day/. The famous line used during the
vaudeville act
of his family quart was always polite and amusing: 'My mother thanks
you, my
father thanks you, my sister thanks you and I thank you.'
"In the beginning, Cohan was not appreciated for his songs. The draw
was
his pretty sister. Eighteen songs gradually pull in a large group of
hoofers
onstage that symbolize his growing success.
"Seated in front of me were Sarah Jessica Parker, pretty in pregnant
pink
and newly mustached fatherto-be Matthew Broderick. I asked him if he
misses
being in 'The Producers.' 'It was fun,' he smiled. Their enthusiastic
applause coincided with my hope 'George M. Cohan' finds the future it
deserves. Bravo!"
© Marjorie Gunner
