Theater Review: ‘On the Twentieth Century’

Not since Judy Holiday has Broadway seen an actress with the comedic chops of Kristen Chenoweth. And can she sing!
Theater Review: ‘On the Twentieth Century’
Producer Oscar Jaffee (Peter Gallagher) desperately needs star Lily Garland (Kristen Chenowith) to appear in his new production, in the wonderful musical “On the Twentieth Century.” Joan Marcus
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NEW YORK—Not since Judy Holliday has Broadway seen an actress with the comedic chops of Kristin Chenoweth. And can she sing!

Chenoweth shows so many subtle nuances as she makes this role her own that other excellent performances by Peter Gallagher (as Oscar Jaffee), and Mark Linn-Baker and Michael McGrath (as the character’s sidekicks Oliver Webb and Owen O'Malley, respectively), in addition to a universally strong cast, have a hard time reaching her level.

Written by Adolph Green and Betty Comden with music by Cy Coleman, “On the Twentieth Century” is a revival of the 1978 Broadway version. It is a stunning reminder of the opulence of the fabled Twentieth Century train that served the moneyed set as they traveled from Chicago to New York in 16 hours.

Lily Garland (Kristin Chenoweth) sings and dances with four porters, who sing and dance up a storm. (Joan Marcus)
Lily Garland (Kristin Chenoweth) sings and dances with four porters, who sing and dance up a storm. Joan Marcus
Nanci Callahan
Nanci Callahan
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