Bass’s score is well-constructed and often spectacular, and you can tell he’s spent a lot of time absorbing the works of the big band masters. The Count Basie and Duke Ellington influences are evident throughout the work, and he even slips in a piece reminiscent of Ellington’s “Caravan” in the second act. The band, led by Bass (who also plays piano), is first rate.

The show certainly fits Greater Boston Stage’s mission to reimagine familiar stories. “Swan Lake in Blue” is a new look at Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, and perhaps a more approachable one for a contemporary audience. Clocking in at two hours with an intermission, the piece is shorter than the original and moves quickly through the dramatic plotline. One thing is guaranteed with  “Swan Lake in Blue” — audience members will never be bored.

Two sublime local talents – composer/musician Steve Bass and award-winning director/choreographer Ilyse Robbins – have combined forces to put their stamp on the work, performing it in the style of a ballet, with no dialogue or singing. The dancing and the music tell the story in 22 separate music/dance numbers spread over four acts.

Steve Bass and Ilyse Robbins have created an original work that is being seen for the first time on the stage in Stoneham, but I believe this is something that will move on to other venues. This is no commodity musical. It is a marvelous piece that is destined to become part of musical theatre history. From top to bottom this is a first rate production, and you don’t want to miss it. Someday you’ll get to say you saw it when it premiered. You’ll also be saying “They really do write music and choreograph dancing the way they used to”.

Without exception, this is the best show to grace the Greater Boston Stage Company in a long while. Even without dialogue, the production has it all. It’s romantic, bold, sexy and jaw-dropping, and these eyes could not take in anything else while the dancers danced and the musicians played.

Backed by a 17 piece orchestra with all the musicians appropriately dressed in black tuxes, the group performs this astounding new score with all the flare and toe tapping bravado of the Big Band sounds of the 40’s. Bass has artistically revolutionized the traditional ballet story and magically turned it into this up beat musical composition that is subtly laced with occasional diffused hints of Tchaikovsky’s original. It has truly been artfully converted it into a spectacular ‘swing’ style, jazz work.

The magnificent music that Bass has written for this show sounds like a mixture of Gershwin, Cole Porter and some of it sounds like “42nd Street”, “Singing in the Rain” and “An American in Paris” to mention a few. His 16 piece jazz band is phenomenal as are the various dance styles Robbins creates for the show including mind boggling tap dances that stop the show with the brilliant execution of all the cast members in perfect unison.

Greater Boston Stage Company is proud to announce the World Premiere Dance Event Swan Lake in Blue: A Jazz Ballet, created and composed by renowned jazz musician and composer Steve Bass. Choreographed and staged by GBSC Associate Artistic Director and multiple IRNE and Elliot Norton Award Winner Ilyse Robbins, Swan Lake in Blue: A Jazz Ballet is inspired by and loosely based on Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, Swan Lake.

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Christina Pecce in "Witches, Bitches, & Divas!" on Thursday January 30th, 2020 at 9:30pm. Songs from your favorite standards, musicals, and operas are given a fresh spin to keep you enchanted and bewildered. This is a night of cross-over comedy you do NOT want to miss. Celebrate iconic roles, both onstage and off, but beware...this program is sure to put a spell on you!

Steve Bass, music director for "Witches, Bitches, & Divas!", is an in-demand freelance musician and educator making his 54 Below debut.

Steve Bass makes the harmonic blend between performers and orchestra splendidly. He conducts a fifteen piece orchestra that is fabulous from the opening through the finale.

For this production Company Theatre’s best decision may have been to put it in the capable hands of director and choreographer Corinne Mason, and musical director Steve Bass. Their version of American Idiot is not just a rock opera, as it was rebranded for Broadway – a sung through version of the very popular album — but soars as a contemporary musical theatre production.

For decades, Company Theatre’s musical direction has been stellar, and as with last year’s Ragtime and Oliver, Steve Bass demonstrates his skill as a music director who helps the actors, musicians, and the songs sparkle. Being able to see the musicians playing in the pit is also a treat.