Act II Playhouse closes out its 2024-2025 season with a sparkling revival of “A Grand Night for Singing.” More than a salute to the legendary team of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the musical revue triumphs on its own terms. 

Conceived and directed by Walter Bobbie, the original production of "Grand Night" celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Rogers/Hammerstein collaboration. It debuted at the Rainbow and Stars cabaret atop the Rockefeller Center in 1992, then moved on to Broadway. 

The Act II production under director/choreographer Stephen Casey is in step with the cabaret approach. Though over 30 songs regale audiences in 90 minutes, the pace feels measured. Songs are not flung willy-nilly but presented in meaningful groups. 

Some tunes hug a shared theme, as in Act II, when "My Little Girl" from “Carousel” and "I Know It Can Happen Again" from “Allegro” speak of the joy and anguished hope children bring. Other segments cleverly snatch songs from different musicals to create original vignettes. 

Riveting performances

The production also rivets thanks to the talents of its five performers. Zachary Chiero, Eleni Delopoulos, Renee McFillin, and Kevin Toniazzo-Naughton are familiar faces. Only Jackie Washam makes her Act II Playhouse debut here. 

Many have observed that artists in American musicals are actors first, singing only when feelings overwhelm, and dancing when singing fails to convey full emotional intensity. Renee McFillin's triple-threat talents are on full display in "The Gentleman is a Dope" from “Allegro.” Toniazzo-Naughton's rich baritone has operatic power. Yet all five performers present spellbinding moments.

Zachary Chiero’s characters cannot catch a break all night. He romances McFillin in "That's The Way It Happens" from “State Fair” only to see Naughton steal her away with "All At Once You Love Her" from “Pipe Dream.” Washam and Delopoulos console Chiero with "Some Enchanted Evening" from “South Pacific.” Then, the show’s second act, Naughton beats him out again. Left alone onstage, Chiero sings the “Flower Drum Song” lament, "Love, Look Away.” 

Delopoulos performs Ado Annie’s wanton song "I Cain't Say No" from “Oklahoma,” then evokes romantic agony in "If I Loved You" from “Carousel.” Washam delivers a thoughtful "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful" from “Cinderella,” and joins the cast in many ensemble moments.. 

Act II’s production is delicious. Pianist Dan Matarazzo knows how to complement without intruding; costumes by Janus Stefanowicz are sumptuous; the set and light design of Parris Bradley and James Leitner enables performers and is itself a work of art.  

"A Grand Night for Singing" is an exceptional achievement, the only musical revue to receive a Tony nomination for Best Book. Even in the absence of a formal plot narrative, this rhythmic mix of play scenes, solos, ensembles, and song clusters creates a cadence that is supra-musical. 

Act II Playhouse is located at 56 E. Butler Ave. in Ambler. "A Grand Night for Singing" will run through June 29. Tickets are available at 215- 654-0200, or at act2.org.