The Jazz Age Revival: Why Cole Porter’s ‘The New Yorkers’ Still Matters
There’s something undeniably magnetic about the Jazz Age—its decadence, its rebellion, its unapologetic glamour. So when I heard that Cole Porter’s The New Yorkers was getting a new lease on life with industry readings featuring Bebe Neuwirth, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. What makes this particularly fascinating is how a 90-year-old musical, set in Prohibition-era New York, continues to captivate audiences and creators alike.
A Tale of Bootleggers and Socialites: The Story That Endures
At its core, The New Yorkers is a story of contrasts: socialite Alice Wentworth chasing bootlegger Al Spanish from Park Avenue to prison. On the surface, it’s a romp through the Roaring Twenties, complete with flappers, speakeasies, and Porter’s iconic wit. But what many people don’t realize is that beneath the glitter lies a sharp critique of class, morality, and the American Dream. Personally, I think this duality is why the musical feels so relevant today. In an era where wealth inequality and social divides dominate headlines, Porter’s satirical lens feels eerily prescient.
The Cast and Creative Team: A Match Made in Theater Heaven
Bringing this revival to life is a dream team, led by director John Rando and featuring a cast that includes Scarlett Strallen, Tam Mutu, and the legendary Bebe Neuwirth. One thing that immediately stands out is Neuwirth’s addition as Gloria Wentworth. Known for her razor-sharp performances, Neuwirth’s presence suggests a deeper exploration of the characters’ complexities. From my perspective, this isn’t just a nostalgia trip—it’s a re-examination of what makes these characters tick in a modern context.
The Music: A Time Capsule That Still Shimmers
Cole Porter’s score is, of course, the star of the show. Songs like “Love for Sale” and “Night and Day” are timeless, but what this really suggests is that Porter’s ability to blend sophistication with subversiveness was ahead of its time. The 2017 Encores! production, painstakingly restored by Jack Viertel, reintroduced lost gems and additional Porter tunes, giving the musical a fresh yet authentic feel. If you take a step back and think about it, this is more than a revival—it’s a resurrection of a cultural artifact.
Why Now? The Broader Cultural Moment
The timing of this revival is no accident. In an age where period dramas like The Great Gatsby and Peaky Blinders dominate screens, there’s a clear appetite for stories that transport us to bygone eras. But The New Yorkers offers something more. It raises a deeper question: Are we romanticizing the past, or are we using it as a mirror to reflect our own flaws and aspirations? Personally, I think it’s both—and that’s what makes it so compelling.
The Legacy and the Future
The New York Times called the 2017 Encores! production “divine” and “delirious, blithe and boozy,” and I couldn’t agree more. But what’s truly remarkable is how this musical continues to evolve. With Bebe Neuwirth on board and a creative team committed to honoring Porter’s vision while pushing boundaries, this new production feels like a bridge between past and present. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the readings are being positioned as industry events—a strategic move that hints at a broader Broadway ambition.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
In a world where new musicals often dominate the spotlight, The New Yorkers reminds us of the power of revisiting the classics. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about understanding how the past informs the present. From my perspective, this revival is a testament to the enduring relevance of Cole Porter’s genius and the timeless appeal of the Jazz Age. Whether it’s the music, the story, or the sheer audacity of the era, one thing is clear: The New Yorkers isn’t just a musical—it’s a cultural touchstone. And I, for one, can’t wait to see what this new production brings to the stage.
