‘World’ Falls Flat as Musical Revue

Making a revue out of songs by the Broadway team that brought us “Cabaret” and showstoppers that went on to become anthems for the likes of Liza Minnelli and Frank Sinatra is certainly a daunting task. Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman and David Thompson’s show of John Kander and Fred Ebb songs, “The World Goes ‘Round,” also falls under the shadow of the current production of “Chicago.”

Even with the pleasant voices of a 10-person ensemble led by the personable Marcia Rodd and the unveiling of some new Ebb-written lyrics for “The Grass Is Always Greener,” this Actors Alley production at the El Portal isn’t up to the challenge. There are too many minor glitches and questionable decisions, leaving a sloppy, formless mess.

Ellis, Stroman and Thompson need to edit the 33-song program for better pacing and more solid structure. At times, they string together too many slow ballads, and director-choreographer David Mingrino doesn’t give the soloist enough acting to do. None of this talented lot has a voice that can enthrall by just assailing the still air.

In the ensemble pieces, particularly “Money, Money” (“Cabaret”) and “All That Jazz” (“Chicago”), one can’t help but cringe when images of Fosse’s work remain so vivid. Mingrino’s choreography is clunky and unimaginative. He’s much better with the more intimate, humorous numbers such as “The Grass Is Always Greener” (Rodd and Carol Keis), “Sara Lee” (Alan Altshuld, Bobbi Stamm, Karen Reed and Nora Linden) or “Arthur in the Afternoon” (Rodd and Jonathan Mallen).

Some members of the ensemble were a bit thin on the high notes, and most of them were off on the choreography. Costume designer Diane Ross dressed two members in a yellow so bright that the visual focus shifted inappropriately. All these minor problems add up to outweigh the benefits of this live performance. Stick with videos and CDs.

* “The World Goes ‘Round,” Actors Alley at the El Portal, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Ends Sept. 6. $20. (818) 508-4200. Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.