Nice Work If You Can Get It continues The Smith Center for the Performing Arts’ showcasing of the legacy of Gershwin. Premiering at the Imperial Theatre in April 2012 with lead roles created by Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara, Nice Work is a tribute in more ways than one. The 1920s musical it’s based on, Oh, Kay!, featured songs by George and Ira Gershwin, including “Someone to Watch Over Me.” In reimagining the original production, writer Joe DiPietro created a scenario that allows what are essentially the Gershwins’ greatest hits to come alive onstage for contemporary audiences.
“Fascinating Rhythm,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “Lady, Be Good,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “’S Wonderful” and the title song are among the compositions that tie together the tale of a wealthy playboy who falls for a sassy bootlegger during the Roaring Twenties.
Alex Enterline plays Jimmy Winter, with Mariah MacFarlane playing Billie Bendix, his wrong-side-of-the-tracks romantic interest. When Jimmy is smitten by Billie during his bachelor party, Billie sees Jimmy’s Long Island mansion as a good place for her and her fellow bootleggers Cookie (Reed Campbell) and Duke (Aaron Fried) to hide their substantial stash. A glitch in his wedding plans gives Jimmy the chance to win Billie’s heart while giving the cast the chance to breathe new life into timeless music.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24-March 1, 2 p.m. Feb. 28 & March 1, starting at $39 plus tax and fee. 702.749.2000
