Stepping Out

It's 1944 and WWII is on, but sailors Ozzie, Chip and Gabey have 24 hours of leave to pack in as much living as they can before reporting back to the ship. The boys hit Manhattan and Coney Island; ride the subway; get chased by cops, nuns, and love-starved women; and find, then lose, then find love again, all in their one-day furlough.

On the Town is part of Seattle's three-month tribute to composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein, and features his lively musical score. The musical is the cornerstone of a series of concerts and other events throughout Seattle running through June.

The story starts out in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, with the boys and their shipmates cartwheeling and dancing off of the ship ready to take on the town. The citizens of New York join Ozzie, Chip and Gabey in I Feel Like I'm Not Out of Bed Yet and New York, New York.

5th Avenue Theatre veterans Greg McCormick Allen (Ozzie) and Matt Owen (Chip) join newcomer Joe Aaron Reed (Gabey) and each play the eager, sweet, young sailors with personality and energy.

"New York, New York! It's a helluva town!" for sailors Ozzie (Greg McCormick Allen, left), Gabey (Joe Aaron Reid, center) and Chip (Matt Owen, right), who want to take it all in during one day's shore leave in On The Town, the classic Leonard Bernstein musical playing at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre now till May 2. Photo by Chris Bennion

On the subway ride, Gabey spots - and helps himself to - a promotional poster of Miss Turnstiles, aka Ivy Smith. Falling head over heels for the beautiful woman portrayed, Gabey coerces his buddies to do the impossible - find Miss Turnstiles somewhere on the streets of New York. But not before a frantic chase through New York by cops and angry subway employees trying to get their poster back.

Chip has problems of his own, trying to fight off the aggressively amorous Hildy Esterhazy, who, despite losing her job for sleeping in her cab yet again, decides to make this afternoon one to remember.

5th Avenue Theatre veteran Sarah Rudinoff captures Hildy's sweetness under her tough shell. Rudinoff shows her singing chops with I Can Cook, Too and makes her amorous intentions obvious when she joins Reed in Come Up To My Place.

Meanwhile, Ozzie has his own hands full what with falling for Claire, who unfortunately is engaged to the ever understanding – until he isn't – Judge Pitkin W. Bridgework. Allen Fitzpatrick plays Judge Bridgework's milquetoast personality perfectly - we see his rude awakening coming, but are surprised when it finally does. Billie Wildrick somehow manages to make even Claire likable.

The ensemble – even the nuns – dons Navy costumes for the final number, New York, New York, in the Brooklyn Navy Yard before the boys race back onto their ship.

Does Gabey meet – and win – his true love, Miss Turnstiles? Do his buddies, Chip and Ozzie win the women of their dreams? Watch On the Town and find out for yourself!

On the Town plays at the 5th Avenue Theatre through May 2. For ticket information, visit www.5thavenuetheatre.org, or call (206) 625-1900.