The West Chester University Theater and Dance Department’s production of “Cole” was a musical revue based on the life and works of legendary composer Cole Porter. The show featured 45 of his most popular and beloved songs, and used them to tell us the story of his life. “Cole” opened with an introduction to Cole Porter and followed that with a song called “Wouldn’t It Be Fun?” in which Cole wonders what his life would have been like if he wasn’t famous or wealthy. It was an interesting and unique song that especially contrasted with a lot of today’s music where the artist can be heard bragging about their successes.
After that, the entire cast came onto stage and performed “Another Op’nin’, Another Show” which was an energetic and fitting way to begin the show. From there the show was divided up into sequences that highlight certain periods of Porter’s life.
During each sequence, the songs were bookended with bits of biographical information on Porter, as well as information on what was going on at that time in the world. The first sequence was based on his time at Yale, where he composed some of his first songs including a fight song for the football team. The highlight of this sequence was the barbershop number entitled “When the Summer Moon Comes ‘Long.” The Yale segment ended with Porter enduring a string of failures on Broadway that led him to travel to Paris for inspiration.
Some of the highlights of the Paris sequence included “Lost Liberty Blues,” where the Statue of Liberty laments leaving France for America and “Missus Lowsborough-Goodby,” which featured some comedic moments and an angry letter structure.
From Paris we travel to Manhattan, as Porter finds his inspiration and success. The Manhattan sequence featured many strong numbers including the spirited “I’m A Gigolo,”which follows up with the mournful “Love for Sale.” The show artfully balanced these two songs and created an interesting dynamic by having them next to each other.
Next, the audience was transported to Broadway, which opened with one of Porter’s most famous songs “Night and Day.” The sequence also contained the lively “Anything Goes,” which featured some fine tap dancing. Act I of the play concluded with the hopeful yet somber “Tomorrow,” which was performed to perfection.
After Act I, there was a short intermission. During the break, audience members could be heard singing and humming aloud some of their favorite songs from the show.
Act II kicked off with a musical montage of Porter’s most romantic songs. The whole cast was on stage throughout this segment, seated at tables which contributed to a night club like atmosphere. The segment moves from song to song without pausing for any biographical material. The section featured some nice transitions from faster, more upbeat songs like “Just One of Those Things” to slower ones like “We Shall Never Be Younger.”
Next, the audience was taken to Hollywood, where Porter never quite found the comfort or success he had on Broadway. The Hollywood sequence was then followed by a return to Broadway. Upon his return, Porter wrote one of his most famous works: “Kiss Me Kate,” which was a take on Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” Back to Broadway’s most memorable number was “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.” The show wrapped up with the slow “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye” which created a low key ending. A surprise encore of “Tomorrow” livened things up and left the audience on a high note.
The production of the show was handled very well. The stage was simple, yet effective. The small alterations between Act I and II helped to create a more lively atmosphere which meshed well with the extended “What Is This Thing Called Love” segment.
The costumes consisted of black formal wear that were accented with things like boas or colorful vests. A projector was used to display images of Porter throughout the show and also featured posters from some of his own shows. The projection also identified what song the audience was hearing, in case they needed a reminder and didn’t want to dig around for their playbill. The cast of “Cole” was very talented and each did a great job performing Porter’s songs as well as portraying hosts and hostesses that led us throughout his life.
The dance numbers were very well choreographed and highlighted the energy of each song. The six piece band that provided the music for the show did a fantastic job of interacting with the cast as well as in playing the songs to perfection.
Overall “Cole” did a great job of educating the audience about one of America’s most important composers, while keeping them laughing and entertained throughout.
Colin McGlinchey is a third-year student majoring in elementary education. He can be reached at CM646588@wcupa.edu.