Cabin in the Sky

61/100

Photo by Joan Marcus

Music by Vernon Duke. Lyrics by John LaTouche. Book by Lynn Root. Choreography by Camille A. Brown. Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson

Charles Isherwood of the New York Times probably put it best when he described Encores' production of Cabin in the Sky as "musically vibrant, dramatically a dud". Perhaps that shouldn't be too surprising, given that Encores' mission is specifically to present works of theatre that could not receive commercial productions, but critics seem to have really taken against the book to this show. It was written in 1940 and while it is about a group of African-Americans, it was written entirely by white men. One can imagine the kind of well-meaning racial prejudice that might end up in show's book, but critics also found that the show lacked any real stakes or proper dramatic arch. Many critics, too, found that Ruben Santiago-Hudson's direction was a cluttered mess that did not do much to help matters once people stopped singing and started talking. The critics were not, however, restrained in their praise of the score by Vernon Duke. Lead by a powerhouse cast of singers and given new orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, even the most measured critics seemed to recommend the production just to hear the score performed live. In fact, that's what Encores originally set out to do, so this one seems to be a fun night out if you're just looking to hear some great songs performed by a great cast.

am New York 75/100

(Matt Windman) "it is an admirable production of a dated, diffuse and difficult work. Potts, Cooper and Lewis are all fine, but the show truly belongs to LaChanze and her heartfelt, assured, altogether beaming performance”

New York Daily News 60/100

(Joe Dziemianowicz) "This is the sort of “lost” show that Encores! has built its name on. There’s the usual formula: Score, 10; book, 3 — or maybe 2 in this case… It all adds up to a tuneful curiosity and a hit-and-miss labor of love.”

Vulture 60/100

(Jesse Green) "As drama, it is so mild that cringeworthiness may be its strongest trait. But of course it’s not a play, it’s a musical — and that’s where the conflict arises. The score is flat-out lovely, demonstrating Duke’s charm and versatility.”

The New York Times 50/100

(Charles Isherwood) "If I closed my eyes, I think I might have had a better time at “Cabin in the Sky” (although the shifting folk-art backdrop from the designer Anna Louizos is lovely), since the singing throughout is so pleasurable.”