The Cast Photo by Mark Lyons

The World Goes 'Round, which premiered under the title And The World Goes 'Round, debuted Off-Broadway in 1991, and covers songs from the first part of the career of Broadway songwriting team John Kander (music) and Fred Ebb (lyrics). While this means that material from their biggest hits Chicago and Cabaret are included, it also results in there being no material from later works such as Steel Pier, Curtains, The Scottsboro Boys, and The Visit. However, songs from several films, including New York, New York, are present.

Kander and Ebb are a legendary Broadway team whose careers have spanned over six decades. Ebb's lyrics are full of wit, irony, depth, and cynicism. Kander's highly melodic music covers a variety of styles and musical vocabulary. The revue was conceived by director Scott Ellis, choreographer Susan Stroman, and librettist David Thompson. The result is a sophisticated yet accessible piece containing sections of high-octane, driving numbers as well as quiet introspective moments.

In the CCM production, director and choreographer Josh Walden supplied splendid stagings of many numbers, includes some unexpected interpretations of songs, and used his versatile cast well. The balance of humor, heart, and angst was perfect. The dances were varied and appropriate, and highlighted the performers and their abilities. Musical director Steve Goers led the gifted six-piece band.

The cast of nine (expanded from the typical size of five for this show) impressed throughout. Nick Gundrum tapped his way through a fun "Sara Lee," while Monique Hill was a fireball with "All That Jazz." Though all the cast members are noteworthy dancers, these two rose to the top and were paired brilliantly together in "When It All Comes True." Declan Smith found emotional depth and excelled in several slower songs, including "The Happy Time," "Mr. Cellophane," "Marry Me," and "We Can Make It," the last two from the underappreciated The Rink. Jordyn Jones skillfully performed "Colored Lights" and "Ring Them Bells," supplying energy and strong acting for each.

Grace Capeless amped up the energy even higher with spirited and fun renditions of "Arthur in the Afternoon" and "Me and My Baby," and also put across a touching "A Quiet Thing" from Flora the Red Menace. Hannah Ervin displayed poignancy and vocal power with "Maybe This Time" and "My Coloring Book." Way Wagoner showed versatility and skill with very different takes as half of a duet in both "Only Love" from Zorba and "Money" from the film version of Cabaret. Sydney Short is an accomplished vocalist, with a singing voice full of color and passion, and scored comedically with "The Grass Is Always Greener" from Woman of the Year, another lesser-known gem from the songwriting duo. Josh Devine demonstrated restraint and intensity with "I Don't Remember You" and a unique take on "Kiss of the Spider Woman."

Staged in CCM's black box space, the simple scenic design by Joseph Schmitt consisted of a large, mobile proscenium arch, several smaller set pieces, and framed, hand-painted window cards from the represented shows in different sizes scattered across the back of the theater. The lighting by Mattison Andrews was varied and well-suited, and smartly took some cues from song lyrics, including in "Colored Lights" from The Rink. The costumes by Alanna Gorrigan were casual and versatile, since the performers were switching characters throughout. At the performance attended, there were some problems with the execution of the sound design.

The World Goes 'Round isn't a well-known title, but is an excellent example of a Broadway musical revue. CCM's production was likewise praiseworthy and showcased both the material and the talent at the conservatory fabulously. One hopes that local theatre companies will consider staging some of Kander and Ebb's rarer shows such as Kiss of the Spider Woman, Woman of the Year, Zorba, or The Rink in the near future so audiences can come to know these shows as well.

The World Goes 'Round ran through December 6, 2025, at CCM, Cohen Family Studio Theater, 290 CCM Blvd, Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please call 513-556-4183 or visit ccmonstage.universitytickets.com.