Makayla Shipe, Annalese Fusaro, and Cast Photo by Mark Lyons

Wonderful Town follows the adventures of two sisters who move from Ohio to New York City in 1935. Older sister Ruth aspires to be a writer, while sibling Eileen wants to become an actress. But for now, the pair share a tiny basement apartment in Greenwich Village. The show is based on autobiographical short stories by Ruth McKenney, which were published in The New Yorker in the late 1930s and in the book "My Sister Eileen." Wonderful Town debuted on Broadway in 1953.

The book by Joseph A. Fields and Jerome Chodorov is based on their play adaptation of My Sister Eileen. With unique characters, unusual situations, and plenty of humor and romance, it's a fun story. However, the show is very episodic and bloated with many "filler" moments. An inconsistent tone doesn't help either, moving from realistic and personal to over-the-top antics.

The score boasts music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. "Christopher Street" is an effective opening number that introduces the audience to the setting. The sisters question their move to New York City with "Ohio," arguably the most famous song from the score. "One Hundred Easy Ways" is a charm song for Ruth extolling her unintentional ability to lose potential suiters, showing great wit in the lyrics. "A Little Bit In Love" and "A Quiet Girl" are delicate songs with gorgeous tunes, and "It's Love" is a delightful romantic anthem. "Conga!" and "Swing!" are comic numbers sporting unique melodic lines and lyrics. "Wrong Note Rag" incorporates numerous sharps and undulating syncopation to great effect. Bernstein's ability to be both sophisticated and accessible is put on full display in this underappreciated score.

Director and choreographer Diane Lala provides attractive blocking and pulls well-suited performances from the cast. The dances are fun and fill the stage with energy and motion. Due to the large-scale sets, transitions from one scene to another are often too slow, but are covered by dancing to orchestral interludes. Unfortunately, there are small details in the staging that aren't ideal, and they pull the audience out of the experience–the sisters oddly going to bed with their shoes on is one such moment. Ian Axness leads a lush-sounding 34-piece orchestra.

As Ruth, Annalese Fusaro convincingly captures the sensible, forthright nature of the character while also being soft enough for the audience to root for. She displays a lovely tone in her singing voice as well. Makayla Shipe is aptly endearing as Eileen, and shows off a bright and strong soprano voice. As Robert Baker, Declan Smith presents a mature, layered portrayal and solid vocals. Among the supporting performers, Andy Bakun (Frank Lippencott) and Nick Gundrum (Wreck) are especially praiseworthy. The ensemble members prove themselves to be triple-threat performers throughout.

The scenic design by Mark Halpin incorporates a number of large pieces, each of which is attractive and befitting individually, but which might be too big overall to allow the show to flow as needed. The costumes by Erin Donnelly provide color and vibrancy, though a few don't quite feel like the 1930s or look incomplete. The lighting by Lucas Inman includes a fun slow-motion strobe effect and is professionally rendered.

Wonderful Town isn't a show that is produced very often, but it does boast a classic score by some of the best writers of the 1950s. If CCM's production isn't perfect, it does showcase their seemingly never-ending stream of very talented and well-trained performers.

Wonderful Town runs through November 23, 2024, at CCM, Patricia Corbett Auditorium, 290 CCM Blvd, Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please visit CCMOnstage.universitytickets.com or call 513-556-4183.