Mike Burstyn brings Jolson to life
on Sacramento Community Center stage
Reviewed by Joe Blenkle/Sacramento Stage & Theatre
Al Jolson (Mike Burstyn) and the Rooney Sisters are "Sittin' On Top of the World" in JOLSON: THE MUSICAL, playing in Sacramento through March 21. Photo by: Stan Barouh.

Mike Burstyn as Al Jolson.
Photo by: Stan Barouh.
    Al Jolson departed this world decades ago (1886-1950), but Mike Burstyn has brought this world famous entertainer back to life in JOLSON: THE MUSICAL playing at the Sacramento Community Center Theatre, March 16-21, 1999.
    For the younger generation less familiar with Al Jolson, this musical is a great way to learn about this fabulous entertainer.
CAST OF JOLSON
  Sophie - Helen A. Holliday
  Harry Akst - Kenny Morris
  Pat Levin - Brian W. West
  Sax Player - George Livengood
  Mike, The Trumpet Player - Matt Allen
  Julia Rooney - Tina Stafford
  Mattie Rooney - Mia Malm
  Josey Rooney - Amanda Serkasevich
  Charlie, The Spot Operator - Nolan Hines
  Al Jolson - Mike Burstyn
  Louis Epstein - Harry A. Winter
  Henrietta - Diana Lynne Drew
  Frankie Holmes - Jeff Richards
  Lee Shubert - Rob Sheridan
  Bagby - Kevin Manning
  Pinky - Alee Reed
  Eugenie - Joyce A. Presutti
  Ruby Keeler - Heather Mazur
  Ruby's Boys - Derek Isetti & Bran Pace
  Poker Player - Ed Romanoff
  1st Song Plugger - Kevin Manning
  Mr. Bratislaw - Nolan Hines
  George Gershwin - Jay Bodin
  Alan Crosland, Director - Rob Sheridan
  Director's Asst. - Christopher Dauphinee
  Cameraman - Jay Bodin
  Lighting Operator - Bran Pace
  George, The Sound Man - Brian W. West
  Sam Warner - Ed Romanoff
  Clapper Girl - Helen A. Holliday
  Harry Cohn - Christopher Dauphinee
  Sound Assistant - Rob Sheridan
  Ruby's Dresser - Pauline A. Locsin
  Head Waiter - Jay Bodin
  Radio City Page - George Livengood
  Backup Singers - Nolan Hines, Kevin
    Manning, Bran Pace

    It serves as a overview of his life, following his career through its heyday in the 1920s and then skipping ahead to the 1940s and his then declining fame - which he refuses to let go of.
    JOLSON: THE MUSICAL is very song heavy, with 30 tunes including such Jolson classics as "I'm Sitting On Top of the World," "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a DixieMelody," "Toot-Toot-Tootsie Goodbye," "Baby Face," "Swanee," "California, Here I Come," "Sonny Boy," and many more. It's a real treat to hear these songs and Mike Burstyn does an excellent job, both singing and playing the part of Al Jolson.
    Burstyn is a Broadway veteran and grew up with Jolson in his life. His father worked with Al Jolson at the Nora Bayes Theatre in New York in the 1920s. And he includes Jolson's songs in his repertoire whenever possible. His Broadway credits include AIN'T BROADWAY GRAND, BARNUM, INQUEST and THE MEGILLA. He has also starred in five of Israel's all-time most popular movies and been a prominent force in the Jewish community, just as Al Jolson was.
    Joining Burstyn on stage opening night as Ruby Keeler (Jolson's third of four wives) was Alee Reed, filling in for Heather Mazur who is the regular in that role. Reed did a fine job as Keeler, and has appeared in national tours of BIG, MAME and GYPSY.
    This production has a large cast and it's impossible to mention everyone, but JOLSON: THE MUSICAL has an outstanding ensemble that works well together on stage.
    After running through a mish-mash of Jolson's life, loves, songs and everything else, JOLSON: THE MUSICAL saved the best for last. The audience was transported back in time for a Jolson concert at Radio City Music Hall. This was worth waiting for as it was presented just as if Jolson was on stage and the Community Center Theater audience was his audience. Burstyn went through eight Jolson hits, backed by an on-stage orchestra. He joked and interacted with the audience, came off the stage to dance with a lady in the crowd, and even invited the audience to sing along on "Carolina in the Morning."
    It was a entertaining way to end a fabulous show!
AL JOLSON FIRSTS
  • Al Jolson was the first entertainer to be paid over $17,500 a week.
  • He was the first entertainer to take a Broadway hit on the road.
  • Jolson was the first to make a "talkie" motion picture.
  • He was the first to entertain troops abroad.
  • Al Jolson was the first to have a record sell over 1 million copies.
  • He was the first to be broadcast performing on early TV.
  • And he was the first and only entertainer to have two film biographies made while still living.
    •     JOLSON: THE MUSICAL plays at the Community Center Theater through February March 21, 1999. Tickets range in price from $10-$60. For ticket information call (916) 557-1999, (916) 264-5181, or (916) 923-BASS.
        Next up for the Broadway Series is CHICAGO, playing April 13-18, 1999, at the Community Center Theater.
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