The allure of “Nice Work If You Can Get It” rests in its inclusion of a wealth of songs from George and Ira Gershwin.
The Broadway hit is gliding into Munster’s Theatre at the Center for a Thursday to June 5 run. Promotional material from the troupe states the engagement represents the Chicagoland premiere of the play.
Set in the Roaring ’20s, the musical rolls out timeless pop standards by the Gershwins that include “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off.”
Portraying the footloose and wealthy Jimmy Winter is Chicago’s Justin Brill.
“He’s sort of a rich guy that’s still kind of finding his way into adulthood,” Brill said of his devil-may-care character. “He’s a little bit of a playboy and a little bit of a party boy. From a physical standpoint, he’s on stage quite a bit.”
The play makes good use of its colorful characters.
“There’s a lot of comedy; there’s romance,” Brill said.
The plot follows Winter as he meets formidable female bootlegger Billie Bendix near the time of his wedding.
Winter is marrying again, with the latest nuptials set to rope in a self-absorbed dancer, Eileen.
Billie hatches a plan to stash illicit alcohol in the basement of Winter’s mansion, propelling the antics that ensue.
Playing the role of Billie is Erica Stephan, who has performed at notable Chicago-area theaters that include the Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
“She’s very much a tomboy and very funky and feisty,” Stephan said of her bootlegger character. “She’s one of the guys at the get-go of the show.”
As far as the singing aspect of her part, Stephan notes there is the somewhat daunting task of doing justice to the works of the iconic Gershwins.
“The songs are the biggest challenge to live up to,” the 24-year-old Chicago resident noted.
The score buoys the upbeat nature of Theatre at the Center’s production.
“It’s like a classic, fun Broadway show,” Stephan said. “You feel good doing it, and you feel good watching it.”
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The sweet melodicism of George Gershwin is on display in material that will be sung by Stephan, which includes the wistful “Someone to Watch Over Me.”
Stephan also serves up “But Not For Me,” which she describes as having a melancholy shade.
“It’s a classic ballad,” the vocalist said.
With a smooth-flowing storyline that springs from the book by Tony Award-wining Joe DiPietro, “Nice Work If You Can Get It” likewise soars via ” ‘S Wonderful” and other enduring fare from the brothers Gershwin.
“They are wonderful craftsmen of the American songbook of that era,” Brill said.
Brill gets to put some of his past training in dance to work in the show’s rhythmic choreography.
“I grew up taking tap class,” said the 37-year-old actor, who alluded to the physical demands of the production’s choreography that must be met as a seasoned performer.
“It’s a little more of a challenge to get my body moving than it used to be,” said Brill, who remains undaunted.
“It’s a good time; I do a pretty good job,” he assured. “It’s fun to be in big dance numbers.”
Overseeing the performances of Brill and the rest of the cast is William Pullinsi, former artistic director of Theatre at the Center.
Pullinsi has won numerous Joseph Jefferson Awards, which recognize excellence in Chicago-area theater.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
“Nice Work If You Can Get It”
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: Thursday through June 5; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets: $40 to $44; student tickets $20
Information: 219-836-3255, 800-511-1552 or theatreatthecenter.com