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Charles Supin!M 'Let Me Off Uptown' outstanding at Trop /In the next few weeks, if you have any de- rsire to see not a good but, rather, an outstanding example of ensemble work then see "Let Me Off Uptown," in the Tropicana Hotel's new Cabaret.. ?√ß ?╟≤ :>[yp &"V^&i-j?·- '"-* ?√ß^*&^?·'?· ?√ß .?√ß;?√ß-''?√ß?√ß ' -Ensemble work ?╟÷ one of those show business terms that is easier to describe than define. It tells about the mysterious chemistry between everyone in the show, and if you are really :_;_ fortunate, also between the performers and . ,;n";; their audience. ^ ^* * .:':'->^^':^rQ^^ -lv If it all comes together, there is magic in the air. Such is the atmosphere with this show. - . First, a feeling of place. Upon entering the i . Cabaret you see a street scene from New "; York's 125th Street and 8th Avenue, the heart ?╟≤ of Harlem. ?╟÷' "": '7--r^l:^:" " " ?√ß* *" .?╟≤?╟≤-?╟÷-?╟÷ Terry Ryan is at the piano, Eagle Eye Shields is on drums, and Rudy Aikels is at the string bass. These remarkable musicians play cool jazz as the audience gathers, and r then neat accompaniment throughout the show. The show then starts with Norma Miller, who has never seemed more relaxed. With a few choice jokes and enormous good will she introduces the theme of the show. It is to be a musical tour of and tribute to the songs and composers of urban America. ; ; :/ ;: ^ .. These greats include composers Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Errol Garner, Fats --;, v-;; .Waller and Eubie Blake. A tribute is also made to the singing styles of Nat King Cole, Billie .. ;. Holiiday and Dinah Washington. " ^ The songs you will hear include "Honeysuckle Rose," "Mean To Me," "Feets Too Big," / : "What a Difference a Day Makes," "Route 66," "A Train," "Satin Doll," "Midnight Sun," and "Misty." When is the last time you were . lucky enough to hear all of these great songs sung in one evening? '""" - : What? A few of you might be too young to remember most of these songs? If so, you will have one of the truly memorable treats of your young life, because each is done with tender respect, and joyous excitement. In addition to the musicians there are six performers. ?╟≤?╟≤ Norma Miller is joined by Doris Troy, affec- tionally known as "Mother Soul." She is a delight. - . : ' -. There is also Valerie Jackson, and Aussireta Mathis. Each lady has a distinctive voice, . % ... but with an equally uniform charm. Bobby Wade is one of the men you will see and hear. You might recognize him as one of the Imperials, the group with whom he sung for 12 years. j^The other man is" h^ty Wheeler, a tall young man with a gracious smile, and with the easy :: ?√ßbounce of a tap dancer. ''^^y^B^^^^^^A ^Individually, these performers are stand-outs. " ^Together they create that /'something" r/^^-5 known as ensemble work ?╟÷ jdone masterfully. ';">*;.:?√ß I^peaking of 'that rgood chemistixllthe talent ^1 fiends of Lenny and Mickey Martin, who :^gg?·;i produced the show, plus Jerry Jackson, who Zgg&: .staged it, is a winning combination for "Let *&?·*$. :Me Off Uptown," .and also for their more elabo-~v mtf^^M^m^m jate "Folies Bergere" in the hotel's main ^'C- showroom."-?-. s* :* '.' ?√ß<- "^ Apostscript ^' V%> V * ffi^ff*:' ^f ./?╟≤ On the evening Tsaw "Let Me Off Uptown,", everyone in the audience got up to dance .;* ?╟≤ and sing the finale "Let It Shine." I.understand this is normal each night. ... _/?√ßyri^^;*,..,...",, ^.r. , What was out of the ordinary this evening , was the fact that three music greats joined . Vf the cast on stage. One was the room's host '.**;/ Maurice Hines, another was pianist George ^-* Shearing, and the third was that superb man of jazz, Joe Williams ?╟÷ indeed, it was a joyous evening. ^^4^ ?· ?√ß "Tour best bets: 1-%'?·Cm'^>^T">jXt >~**CYi*s For other production shows, big and small, don't pass up the "Lido" at the Stardust Hotel, "Bravo Vegas" at the Imperial Palace, and the "Wild World of Burlesque" at the Holiday Casino. .* . ?√ß.>.-';. ^; * --.;