Offering an escapist antidote to the country’s current bout of high anxiety is a celebration of the best of Rodgers and Hammerstein delivered by Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run.
 
The upbeat musical revue introduces first-timers to the standards penned by the legendary Broadway duo, while fans will find themselves enveloped in a nostalgic cocoon spun by a talented cast of five vocalists accompanied by pianist and funny man Tom Clear of Evanston.

Performing 35 selections from musicals such as “Carousel,” “Cinderella,” Oklahoma!,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific” and “The Sound of Music” are two male singers and three women, who spice their interpretations with humor. The lyrics are the sole spoken words.    

“It’s very fun to see how happy it makes everyone in the audience,” said Mike Arthur of Chicago after the opening night performance. “And being younger, (I) try to do justice to the songs so many know and love — give it proper voice and emotion.”

Clear, who trained at The Second City, is a musical director for Comedy Sportz, which keeps him quick on the musical draw.

“The songs have to be true to Rodgers and Hammerstein,” said Clear, describing the revue’s prime directive. “Good performers like Catherine Lord make it new every night.”

The freshness applies to his accompaniment, created on the spot by his blending of two piano scores to fit the moment.

In addition to Lord, a favorite at theaters such as Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace and part of the original Chicago production of “Forbidden Broadway,” the cast features Cassandra Liveris of Naperville, Andrea Prestinario of Chicago and David Meadows.

Meadows, a Geneva native who spent 10 years performing in New York, said he grew up listening to the show’s hits. In addition to more light-hearted numbers, he does memorable turns as the villainous Jud in “Lonely Room” from “Oklahoma!” and in “Soliloquy” (“My Boy Bill”) from “Carousel,” which he calls one of the toughest challenges in the male repertoire.

He praises the collaborative efforts of director Bill Jenkins and musical director Harold Mortimer, who both teach at Ball State University in Indiana.

Fans of Amy Steele will want to know that she, as understudy, will perform in shows Oct. 3, 4 and 30, and Nov. 1.

“It’s a lovely night of familiar songs,” she said of the revue.

Steele, who grew up in St. Charles and lives in Chicago, said the show was a learning process for her as a younger performer more familiar with today’s pop and contemporary tunes.

“The way you sing is different, the language is different — very beautiful,” she added of the selections, which include “People Will Say We’re In Love,” “I Cain’t Say No,” “Shall We Dance?,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair” and “Something Wonderful.”

“It’s like creating a live greatest hits album of Rodgers and Hammerstein right on stage,” said Artistic Director John Gawlik, a Wheaton native who resides in Chicago.

If you like your music old-school style, the show’s for you.

If you go

What: “Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein” is presented by Noble Fool Theatricals. Music is by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and concept by Jeffery B. Moss.

Where: The main stage at Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St. (Route 64), St. Charles.

When: It continues through Saturday, Nov. 1, with curtain at 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sundays; Thursday matinees at 2 p.m. Oct. 9, 23 and 30.

Tickets: They start at $20 for show only; dinner can be added for $27. Call the box office at (630) 584-6342 or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Season subscriptions also are available.

Season: Visit www.noblefool.org for details on the 2009 season: the Fab Fifties revue “The Taffetas”; Broadway’s recent hit musical “Altar Boyz”; the musical “Married Alive”; and the holiday edition of “Forever Plaid,” “Plaid Tidings.”

Added offering: The “Late Nite Catechism” sequel, “Put the Nuns in Charge!,” will play Pheasant Run’s studio theater from Oct. 11 to Jan. 11, with shows at 6 p.m. Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Concert news: The resort’s Mega Center will present country music duo Montgomery Gentry, whose opener will be Keith Anderson, Saturday, Nov. 1, with an after party, followed Friday, Dec. 12, by Jeff Foxworthy and his Kickin’ Country Road Show. Special packages with accommodations are available.