Uptown Players prove being smart, silly works

By Shari Goldstein Stern

You might miss the first few words of dialogue when a new character enters the stage. Pay attention. You could find yourself so flabbergasted by the steal-the-show costumes you may lapse into a state of awe. “When Pigs Fly” opened the season at Uptown Players (UP) at Kalita Humphreys Theater last week, and it will run through July 25.

Under the supervision of Costume Designer/Wardrobe Supervisor Suzanne Cranford, the costumes are eye-popping. Each brings a blazing personality of its own. Some of the Bob Mackie designed wardrobe is rented from the 2017 Off-Broadway “When Pigs Fly” revival production from New York’s TDF Costume Collection. Dallas’ Bruce Coleman designed and constructed costumes for the finale’s showgirls, and Cranford and her team designed the remaining costumes for the show.

B.J. Cleveland directed and choreographed the show with a big trough of sentimentality. In UP’s inaugural season, Cleveland, who now celebrates his 20th UP season, starred as Howard Crabtree. 

For this production, a young actor, Jacob Hemsath as Howard, has been directed and choreographed by Cleveland himself. The result in Hemsath is a fresh performance with an engaging face, fun-to-watch dance moves, and well-trained voice that reflect UP’s original Howard.

The director explained that the entire cast was chosen over submissions from across the country for their individual gifts. 

“They all have to be triple threats. Micah Green, who was a student of mine years ago, is a master comedian who owns the stage and gets the bulk of outrageous costumes; and Michael Russell comes to us from the “Miss Saigon” tour, and we all hate him for his perfect body exposed during the show.” 

He added, “Duke Anderson has amazing vocal chops and pushed himself with a lot of intricate choreography.” 

Anderson, whose stout body type isn’t typical of a musical theater dancer at all, is graceful, confident and a pleasure to watch. It’s apparent how much he’s enjoying himself, especially when belting out his Act II solo, “Bigger is Better.” 

Cleveland added, “Lee Walter is ideal with his comic timing and strong vocals as our funny and poignant Torch Song singer.”

The first production of “When Pigs Fly” opened just after 9/11, an international tragedy. This production follows an international health crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Cleveland explained about the show: “It gives you permission to laugh and love. Laughter is good for the soul and it truly is the best medicine for times like this.”

According to UP, “This production is completely accessible to anyone who can appreciate being smart and silly at the same time.”