By Pat Jenkins The Dispatch For a musical that's been around for 65 years and is stocked with iconic songs, "Paint Your WagonGÇ¥ is relatively unknown to wide audiences. The Fifth Avenue Theatre is doing something about that, and doing it very well. The production running until June 25 has the kind of strong performances and overall likability that make one wonder why the classic isn't better-known. And yet it isn't. Originally the work of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, "Paint Your WagonGÇ¥ debuted on Broadway in 1951. Critics praised the music and choreography but weren't impressed by the story of love and loyalty set in the California Gold Rush of the 1800s. The popularity of its memorable songs such as "Wand'rin' Star,GÇ¥ "I'm on My WayGÇ¥ and "They Call the Wind MariaGÇ¥ has kept the musical on stages over the years and prompted a movie version in 1969, but "WagonGÇ¥ remained on a rather bumpy road in terms of widespread appeal. That's no fault of The Fifth Avenue. Its production, in development for several years and directed by David Armstrong, refreshes the original plotline and keeps audiences' eyes and ears glued to the stage. It has engaging performances by the leads (Robert Cuccioli, Kendra Kassebaum and Justin Gregory Lopez), interesting visuals, and stirring renditions of the score. What's not to like? Hitch yourself to this wagon and enjoy the ride.
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