Reviews

the world goes 'round

NOMINATED FOR 7 BROADWAYWORLD AWARDS including BEST DIRECTOR & BEST MUSICAL

"Audiences expecting more of the same from Actors Co-op’s intimate-stage The World Goes ‘Round can instead plan on being bowled away by director-choreographer Robert Marra’s brilliant reconception of the Kander & Ebb revue as a sung-through musical."

"It’s songs by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb tell the story, Marra’s stunningly conceived direction, his imaginative choreography, and the cast’s superb performances filling in the blanks between."

"If ever there was an Actors Co-op musical that deserved attention from outside the Co-op’s subscriber base, The World Goes ‘Round is that production, one which ought to have sold-out houses at every performance and “legs” that take it beyond the Co-op—to the Pasadena Playhouse? … to the Geffen? … to Off-Broadway even?"

"Knowing the talent involved in this production, I expected something first-rate from The World Goes ‘Round. I didn’t expect to be so completely blown away. Having now seen it, I expect that you too will be blown away by its brilliance."

- Steven Stanley, StageScene LA

"It’s difficult to imagine a more ingeniously crafted and flawlessly performed conceptualization of this Kander and Ebb homage than that which has sprung from the innovative mind of director Robert Marra."

"Marra has fashioned, seemingly from whole cloth, an utterly seamless take on this traditional revue while utilizing the show’s wide-ranging song list to create characters who exhibit backstories and plotlines galore."

"And as the show floats effortlessly towards Marra’s well-calculated conclusion, there is a renewed sense of hope. Hope, not only for the younger couple’s blossoming love but that these people, and perhaps the audience members as well, have been touched by something truly meaningful."

- Dink O’Neal, Arts In LA

"To kick off the Actors Co-op’s 21st season, director / choreographer Robert Marra has re-imagined the show and it’s a rousing success. In fact, it’s so successful that it’s hard to imagine it any other way. Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman, and David Thompson may have conceived the show way-back-when, but Marra has elevated it to a whole new level."

"Mr. Marra has created a magical and mystical pastiche that is reminiscent of the feeling one gets when viewing Edward Hopper’s iconic painting Nighthawks. The audience is transfixed as they are invited to eavesdrop on the lives before them. Without the aid of the written word, he simply allows the music to tell the tale. Taken out of their original context, the songs are experienced in a new and revealing way unburdened by plot and allowed to soar. It brings new appreciation to the wit, wisdom, and brilliance that has made Kander and Ebb legendary."

- Tom Chaits, Stage and Cinema

"This is exceptional work from Marra for his concept, stellar direction and choreography, so alive in such a small space, and from the entire cast. I will not single out anyone in particular, as they all contribute so much to the continuity and emotional impact of the piece."

"This is an outstandingly fresh look at the old reliable The World Goes 'Round that will keep you engrossed from start to finish. You gotta love Kander and Ebb for their bold, one-of-a-kind music and now Robert Marra whose artistic vision is surely a match for their art."

- Don Grigware, Broadway World