From Berlin to Albuquerque

Popejoy show features rejuvenated songs from one of America's most beloved composers

by STEVE PAINTER

Irving Berlin’s “I Love a Piano” -- a one-act musical revue featuring the work of one of America’s most popular and timeless composers -- will run May 2-4 at Popejoy Hall.

The show, which will include five performances, highlights a cast of eight, including Santa Fe’s Sean Schwebke, and more than 60 of Berlin’s compositions.

The main appeal of the show for those involved with its production and those attending are the songs written by Berlin, considered one of America’s greats.

“This show celebrates the musical genius of Irving Berlin,” said Terry Davis, marketing director for Popejoy Hall.

The show is only one of two in the country that are authorized to use the Berlin song catalogue. Some of the songs featured in the show familiar to audiences include “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Anything You Can Do” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”

photo by Steve Painter

A poster advertising "I Love a Piano" outside Popejoy Hall.

Berlin was born Israel Baline in 1888 and composed more than 3,000 songs in his career. He began as a singing waiter in New York’s Chinatown. When asked to compose an original song for the restaurant he worked at, Baline’s name was misprinted on the sheet of music as I. Berlin. The name and song stuck, which led to a career spanning two world wars and over 50 years of changes in America.

“I Love a Piano” tells the story of a piano as it goes in and out of American lives from the turn of the century to the present. Berlin’s songs provide the backdrop for everything, but the songs are given a new life for contemporary audiences. Just as Berlin’s songs from Broadway where given new life by Hollywood in the 1940s and 1950s.

The songs might be updated, but the tone remains the same.

“People are happy to see the show,” Davis said. “They still know all the songs.”

Berlin’s catalogue is owned by Rodgers & Hammerstein -- the major producer that owns the rights to the show. It got new life in August 2002 when it was performed in Denver by the Denver Company. It was then acquired by NewSpace Entertainment, based in Salt Lake City. The company is bringing the show to Albuquerque as part of a national tour.

“We present a number of Broadway shows and this is one of the shows in the Broadway in New Mexico series,” said Mitzi Van Arsdell, marketing director for NewSpace. “The series also includes “Spamalot” and “Lord of the Dance.”

After leaving Albuquerque the show will head to Boise, Idaho. It has already done a tour of Salt Lake City. The tour of the Mountain time zone is different for a show featuring songs written by someone who made a living in New York and Los Angeles.

Berlin’s first hit on Broadway occurred in 1911 with “Alexander’s Ragtime Band.” During World War I Berlin composed “God Bless America,” but didn’t release it until 1938. Although Berlin was a huge success on Broadway, his lasting impact on American music occurred in Hollywood.

In 1927 one of Berlin’s songs was featured in “The Jazz Singer,” the first motion picture to have sound. Two years later he helped introduce the Marx Brothers to the world as he wrote a few songs for their Broadway hit and first movie, “The Cocoanuts.” Other film stars who sung Berlin works include: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rodgers, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe and Bing Crosby. Crosby’s “White Christmas” from “Holiday Inn” in 1942, sold more than 30 million copies when it was first released.

On Broadway, Berlin’s biggest hit came in 1946 with “Annie Get Your Gun.” The show is loosely based on the life of Annie Oakley. It stared Ethel Merman, who became synonymous with Berlin’s shows. “Annie Get Your Gun” featured the song “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” which is most associated with Merman.

“We thought it was a great idea to have the music of Irving Berlin,” Van Arsdell said about acquiring the show. “We also thought the cast was great.”

The cast includes Sean Schwebke who graduated from Capital High School in 2003. He went to New York where he graduated from the American Musical & Dramatic Academy. He is making his national tour debut in this show and plays the part of Jim.

“It’s an interesting thing to have,” Davis said about the local product. “I’m sure those who know Sean will be in attendance and he’ll put on a great performance.”

The performances for “I Love a Piano” will be held May 2 at 8 p.m., May 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets run $30-$47.50. Student discounts are available for the matinee showings.

Written May 1, 2008

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