The show is a revision of Kayden’s original three-hour production. Director Kate Arecchi pared it down to a watchable length by focusing on the leads. Kayden had a hand in the revisions and they work well; the show — which has been produced only three times previously — may become more marketable as a consequence of Arecchi’s talented hand.
This incarnation of “Storyville” is heavier on dance than its predecessors and the choreography adds a great deal — especially the passionate routine inserted into the Breckenridge solo, “Louisiana Woman.” Credit Paula Sloan for the choreography and Arecchi for having the foresight to put it in — it sizzles.
Here is a daring show, one that’s out of bounds for the company that’s keeping it, and it may be the best thing they’ve done this season if not several seasons.
Review: 'Storyville' worth the ticket price
By Ted Streuli
The Daily News
Published July 30, 2004
But Kayden was open to a revised version, and the book fell into the hands of freelance director Kate Arecchi. She trimmed the script to just under two hours by eliminating scenes that didn’t tie to the main story line and, with Kayden’s help, cut the musical numbers to a more manageable 13 with some revised lyrics to fit their new places in the show.
“Mildred feels it sticks with the core of that original story and illuminates the work that was already there,” Arecchi said.
Set in 1917 New Orleans, the script focuses on the struggles of a boxer-turned-trumpeter and his quest to win the heart of a cabaret singer. Together they learn that they are stronger as a pair, stronger still as part of a community, and that music has the power to coalesce and lift the human spirit. Set and scenic design for the revised “Storyville” kept the century-old New Orleans feel but Arecchi dimmed the red lights in the script.
Kayden, who was in the audience for the show’s opening, said the dance numbers added more spice than anything Arecchi might have toned down in the script.
“They amplified the dancing,” Kayden said. “They got into the soul when they did that pas-de-deux in the second act. That’s what jazz was — American soul.”
The Galveston production has renewed interest in the show and early returns suggest that Arecchi’s shortened version is more saleable than the original book. She said both versions are going out with the marketing materials.
Reworked 'Storyville' makes debut
By Ted Streuli
The Daily News
Published July 30, 2004
