What better place than the venerable Players (since 1888) to celebrate the extraordinary, multi-hyphenate, literary and theater man, Sir Noel Coward? This evening acknowledges publication of author Barry Day’s book, Noel Coward On (And In) Theatre (see review separately) celebrates (a little late) the 100 year anniversary of Coward’s first visit to America, and extends gratitude for receipt of a piano from the Master’s Paris apartment. (Coward was a frequent visitor to The Players through reciprocity with The Garrick (Club) in London, of which he was a member.)

The splendid piano arrived by way of Connie Casey’s good looking Uncle Drew who either bought or was gifted the instrument (a note discovered inside read: “I do not forget Cap d’Antibes” – make your own judgment), Ann Moore  of the Yale University Art Gallery Museum – its second stop in the USA, and donor Jane Casey Hughes. As the genial audience gathers – men in jackets, many women in dresses – Brian Drutman serenades.

A video clip of Coward performing his own “Mad Dogs and Englishmen” – wildly animated, precisely enunciated – begins the evening. With Day’s historical narration between artists, we’re informed and entertained.

Coward’s great affection for New York is represented by a medley of city-centric songs by Steve Ross and Michael Levine. The latter sings “Twentieth Century Blues” pointing out that it was written for Cavalcade in 1931, wondering what Coward would think of today: Why is it that civilized humanity/Can make the world so wrong?/ In this hurly-burly of insanity/Our dreams cannot last long…

Liam Forde and Barry Day; Shana Farr

Actor/vocalist Liam Forde reads “The Boy Actor.” His showcase turn, however, is a scene from Present Laughter in which Forde plays a young, nervous, first time playwright to Jeffrey Hardy’s pompous, hugely narcissistic actor Garry Essendine. Forde practically vibrates with insecurity, yet sticks up for himself/the character. Physicality contributes. Even his British accent is on target.

Hardy’s grand moment is the song “I Went to a Marvelous Party” with Steve Ross’s piano doing just what it should in the background. Phrasing is impeccable, his bemused attitude just right. Conveying a touch of tipsy works well. A sophisticated hoot.

Musical numbers by longtime collaborators Steve Ross and Shana Farr include, in part, “Someday I’ll Find You” (Private Lives), “You Were There” (Tonight at 8:30),  Ross’s poignant “I’ll Remember Her” (The Girl Who Came to Supper) – for Gertrude Lawrence – which ends with the artist quietly saying, “Sometimes I’d look across the stage and my heart would break’ Steve Ross is, and has been for some time, arguably the best purveyor of Noel Coward we have to such an extent one wonders that he wasn’t there then. Farr’s  “Mad About the Boy” (Words and Music) inhabits its rueful character like a good coat. I’ve been suggesting for years that she do a Gertrude Lawrence show.

Liam Forde and Barry Day; Shana Farr

A medley of London songs, mostly on the tavern rather than Ritz side of Coward’s work,  closes the evening. “London Pride” remains stirring. Another Britisher, Mr. Day wrote clever lyrics for his version, “New York Pride.” A sing-along of the lovely “I’ll See You Again” leaves the audience hushed.

Book review tomorrow

All Production Photos Courtesy of Jeffrey Hardy

The Players
16 Gramercy Park South