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Steve Ross
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Stage Meets Screen's Double Bills
Marvelous Party (Steve Ross) with Brief Encounter (Coward Film)
SHOW: "...Steve Ross is such a master at putting a debonair spin on Noel Coward's musical high jinks that his persona is that of a sophisticated party entertainer who holds off the blues with a froth of wit. But there is an introspective side to Mr. Ross that has increasingly peeked out in his recent cabaret performances...In his wonderful new show, Marvelous Party, the humor is balanced by songs that have the feel of wistful sighs." "...he shares (Noel) Coward's refinement and air of nostalgia. And this survey of Coward's songs, embracing nearly four decades of work, skillfully touches every base, from stiff-upper-lip patriotism ("London Pride") to sentimental sing-alongs ("I'll Follow My Secret Heart"), to pricelessly witty show business numbers ("Mrs. Worthington"). Amusing biographical anecdotes flesh out an affectionate musical portrait."
"As long as Steve Ross performs Noel Coward songs, the reputations of this great songwriting wit can only continue to soar... Mr. Ross is a master of the light touch. His songs are partly spoken, partly sung, in a buoyant conversational voice with an attitude of dry, slightly supercilious amusement. The pattery melodies ride on breezy piano figures that lend the material a lilting merry-go-round energy." Steven Holden, New York Times.
FILM: Brief Encounter is a classic romantic drama set in 1945 during WWII in and around the fictional Milford railway station. A married woman, with children, Laura (Celia Johnson), meets a stranger, a doctor (Trevor Howard) named Alec in the station's waiting/tea room, who kindly removes a piece of grit from her eye then leaves to catch his train. During her following shopping trips to Milford, Laura bumps into Alec and a friendship begins to develop. Soon the meetings become a fixed arrangement.
At home in her living-room sitting with Fred, her husband (Cyril Raymond), we learn her story through the device of her voice-over telling him (and the audience) in her imagination what happened.
As their relationship grows Alec and Laura find themselves drawn to each other and falling in love. They begin to regularly attend the cinema and visit the surrounding area during short spells of time together. Finally they exchange kisses at the railway station to confirm their feelings. Yet Laura is both uncomfortable and elated, excited by the attention of a loving man but guilty about being unfaithful to her perhaps passionless husband. Laura continues the deception and embarks on a passionate platonic extramarital affair. After much hesitation she gives in to Alec's pleas and joins him at his friend Stephen's apartment, but Stephen (Valentine Dyall) returns unexpectedly to his flat and a guilt-ridden Laura runs away. Alec later catches up with her and they agree to end the relationship but gradually rather than at once. Alec then breaks the news that he is soon to leave the country after receiving a job offer from his brother in South Africa - he asks that she meet him next week for a final rendezvous. This takes place the following Thursday, a day in the country, and a romantic but sad visit to the station waiting room where, over tea, their final goodbye is interrupted when they are joined by an acquaintance of Laura's. Alec leaves the two women stealing only a touch to Laura's shoulder as he goes to catch his train. This scene was played out to open the film as a teaser, but now we have learned of its significance. Laura is devastated and has an emotional meltdown when she returns home to her husband and goes back over the events in her mind. She does not share this information with Fred, but he seems to know what she has been through, and has great sympathy for her.
We are left with the feeling that they will continue their safe, comfortable, middle-class marriage with a better understanding and appreciation in the reality of what they have.
Reviews and Quotes
"WHEN STEVE SINGS, NEW YORK IS NEW YORK AGAIN"
- MICHAEL FEINGOLD, THE VILLAGE VOICE
"ASTAIRE STYLE WITH WRY ASIDE STRIKING COMIC GOLD"
- STEPHEN HOLDEN, THE NEW YORK TIMES
"AN ASTAIRE-WAY TO PARADISE! YOUR CABARET SEASON IS
INCOMPLETE WITHOUT THIS VISIT WITH STEVE ROSS."
- PETER HAAS, CABARET SCENES
"FRED ASTAIRE MUST BE DANCING ON HEAVEN'S CEILING...
STEVE ROSS IS AN AMERICAN CABARET TREASURE"
- BARBARA AND SCOTT SIEGEL, THEATERMANIA.COM
Song Titles
Mrs. Worthington
Louisa
Poor Little Rich Girl
Dance, Little Lady
I've Been Invited To A Party
I've Been To A Marvelous Party
What's Going To Happen To The Tots?
Peace Enfold You
Kiss Me
Someday I'll Find You
Then
Play Orchestra, Play
You Were There
Sail Away
Why Do The Wrong People Travel?
A Bar On The Piccola Marina
I'll Follow My Secret Heart
If You Could Only come With Me
Dear Little Cafe
Nina Mad About The Boy
If Love Were All
I"ll See You Again
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