THE BRILLIANCE OF BROKEN GLASS: BUTTON — East of Edinburgh
Jul 21, 2025
A POSTER OF THE COSMOS
Jul 23, 2025Review by Celia Ipiotis
A Hollywood musical star known for her lightning quick taps and chorus girl long legs, Ann Miller conquered Hollywood and Broadway. At 59E59, Kayla Boye recalls Miller’s life in a one woman show she authored. Directed by Michael Weber, she wears a black sleeveless dress with the front cutout to effectively showcase those award-winning legs.
In this light romp through Miller’s rise to professionalism by age 13, Boye projects a charming countenance and picks off bio highlights one might find in a Wikipedia entry. But her fresh, unforced demeanor animates the bullet points with personal quips.
Deciding to insert 5 popular songs from Miller’s extended career, Boyle’s singing proves less successful at embracing Miller’s brassy voice. Several tap dance numbers by Tammy Mader spice up the monologue.
Because her parents divorced and her mother was deaf, Miller became the protected daughter and wage earner. Along the way, she suffered abuse at the hands of her husbands, and survived competition with the likes of Eleanor Powell (her major influence) Judy Garland (incredibly talented) and Ginger Rogers, who like Miller, shared a protective mother. For people invested in the golden age of film musicals, the mention of Heremes Pan–a major choreographer who created many of Fred Astaire’s routines– is particularly heart-warming.
This personalized platform allows Boye to animate Miller’s life with a dash of humor and humility.
EYE ON THE ARTS, NY –Celia Ipiotis
