Lost Universe

The World Goes Round

by David Anthony Fox

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Great material, an excellent combo and five performers with good voices — what's not to like? If you approach this revue of the songs of Kander and Ebb at the Prince with that generous spirit, you'll have an enjoyable evening. If you're looking for more, go elsewhere.

For those new to the genre, K&E wrote a number of marvelous musicals; Chicago and Cabaret are the biggies. Their work has genuine variety and includes haunting, quiet ballads — but they're famous for the powerhouse, eleven o'clock showstopper. (Liza Minnelli was a favorite muse.)

I'm happy to say that Liza-fying is at a minimum here. The World Goes Round is best when simplest. And there's a fair amount of that, including lovely performances of "Colored Lights" from The Rink — and, even better, "Love and Love Alone" from K&E's last musical, The Visit. Ted Keegan sings the latter superbly — his shining bari-tenor is the best voice in the group. Jaclyn Huberman makes the most specific dramatic points, and Rashidra Scott does best with the belting stuff. (The other two singers are not in their league.)

There's very little about this show that could be called theater, though. And young director Daniel Kutner frequently betrays his inexperience. He nearly ruins Keegan's best moment by unnecessarily inserting two cast members who pull focus. He often has his adult performers sitting awkwardly on the floor (it's more ungainly when they have to get up). The dresses are ugly, in clashing colors (electric blue, rose and acid green). The cast shouldn't strike Fosse poses unless they can deliver on them.

But the biggest question is, why is TWGR here? I thought Prince's mission was to cultivate interesting new work. Nothing here qualifies. The revue would be a welcome addition to their cabaret series, but it's a bizarre and puny way to start the mainstage season.

(d_fox@citypaper.net)

The World Goes Round | Through Oct. 12, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., 215-569-9700, princemusictheater.org