Jerry Herman was one of the most prolific song writers in musical theatre, and even if you don’t immediately recognise the name, many of his songs will spark your memory. Audiences will have the chance to hear those songs again at the Palladium, when Hello, Dolly opens in July, but in the meantime, the glorious revue Jerry’s Girls has taken up residence at Menier Chocolate Factory.
Jerry’s Girls is a showcase of some of Herman’s best songs, and let’s face it there’s no shortage of greats to choose from. Mame, Mack & Mabel and La Cage aux Folles are all well represented, along with Hello, Dolly of course.
Originally penned by Herman and Larry Alford as a cabaret show, it went on to play Broadway in the mid 1980’s with a trio of big names leading the cast. This version, directed by Hannah Chissick, manages to be both a stripped back, and an expanded version at the same time.
In this production, it’s only the three performers who are seen on stage, along with an all-female band (the original had a chorus too) this allows the audience to focus more fully on the trio of charming performers; Cassidy Janson, Jessica Martin and Julie Yammanee.
While there’s a smaller presence on stage, there’s much more in the content; that original production really only served as a highlights reel of the songs, this production, with orchestrations by Sarah Travis, manages to find a narrative amongst the musical numbers.
We start ‘backstage’, Paul Farnsworth’s set depicts a run-down dressing room brightened by the lighted mirrors. The three performers introduced in the opening number represent different stages in an actresses career. Soon, the red curtain swings into action and Jerry’s Girls are vaudevillian performers belting out a selection of cheery tunes.
As we go back and forth between their on-stage personas and backstage realties, we start to see the pressures faced by female performers. Delightful choreography from Matt Cole helps transport us to a by-gone era, but although this feels firmly rooted in the era of the 1950’s, it’s not difficult to draw comparisons with the industry today.
There’s a lovely mix of powerful ballads, and upbeat, energetic and comedic numbers. Each member of the cast gets an opportunity to shine with multiple solos, and the group numbers sound superb.
The title number, in which many of the women who have performed in Jerry Herman shows are listed makes a fitting finale (it’s traditionally the opening number) and is made extra special by the inclusion of the names of the on-stage band, who successfully make each number sound bold and exciting. There’s nothing about this sparkling revival of Jerry’s Girls not to like, it’s practically guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
