‘Eubie!’: Tribute to Blake at the Ivar

“Eubie!” is the Broadway revue devoted to songs by legendary composer and showman Eubie Blake, who died in 1983 at the age of 100. A revival by the non-Equity troupe Company Five has opened at the Ivar Theatre in Hollywood.

Blake’s songs covered virtually the entire pop music spectrum of his heyday, including Tin Pan Alley, ragtime, blues and gospel (his most famous tune, “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” was drafted as a campaign theme by President Truman). But this infectiously exciting tribute is first and foremost a throwback to the splashy, low-concept musical comedies of the ‘20s and ‘30s.

Director-choreographer Daryl Copeland’s production is tremendously uneven. Some numbers soar with energy and precision, such as the aptly titled “High Steppin’ Days.” Yet many others have tired blood and appear barely rehearsed. On review night, sound and lighting gremlins plagued the crew and the six-piece orchestra had some trouble with both tempo and clarity.

The spirited cast compensates for some of these flaws, with especially fine work coming from Kevin Yarbrough and baritone Michael Cosper.

* “Eubie!,” Ivar Theatre, 1605 N. Ivar St., Hollywood. Fridays-Saturdays, 8 p.m., Sundays, 3 p.m. Ends April 15. $15. (213) 368-6721. Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes.