Great Local Shows - Theatrical Reviews
| Title | Thoroughly Modern Millie |
| Organization | El Dorado Musical Theatre |
| Date(s) of show | February 14 - 24, 2014 |
| Reviewer | Dick Frantzreb |
| Review | I saw the opening night performance of El Dorado
Musical Theatre’s Thoroughly Modern Millie, and as is every show
from EDMT, it was thoroughly entertaining. Everything about this show
evoked the 1920s. The dialog is dictated by the script, of course. But
everything else seemed consistent with that era: the costumes, the
scenery – even the dance moves. And what dancing it was! There were
many tap numbers, each full of creativity, impressive synchrony, and
invigorating energy. But there were many more dance routines – some
just as background for action taking place downstage – and the
complexity of these routines, each dramatically different, was
mind-boggling to me.
Now about the costumes. I’ve seen costumer Christine
Martorana’s work before and been impressed by it, but the wardrobe
part of this show was over the top. It felt like each actor must
have had 8 or 10 costume changes (the young women, at least), and
everything seemed an accurate representation of the period. The
impression these outfits created on stage was just dazzling.
Julia Adams had the title role, and for me, she was
the perfect Millie Dillmount: spunky and with a pleasing Broadway
voice. And as I watched her, it seemed that there was almost a
magnetic attractiveness to her acting. As perfect as Julia seemed
for her part, Zach Collins (Jimmy Smith) seemed the ideal leading
man: good looks, excellent voice, and a fine actor. Moreover, he
has excellent comic instincts, and there were several times he made
me laugh out loud. Maybe the biggest surprise of the program was
Anjie Rose Wilson. I’ve seen her perform in these productions and
those of the High Voltage troupe, and I’ve recognized her as a
brilliant dancer – often a real show-stopper. But in the role of
the pseudo-Chinese boarding house keeper, Mrs. Meers, she had
practically no dancing at all. It was all acting, and her portrayal
of that comic part was just stunning: no holds barred, pushing the
limits, and spotlight-seizing. And she slid into and out of a
Chinese accent with ease. To me, it was a break-out role for her.
Early in the show, I found myself asking, “Is this
over-acting?” Then it struck me that Thoroughly Modern
Millie is designed as broad comedy bordering on farce. With that
thought, I relaxed and enjoyed watching these young people push
their characters to the limits of believability. Later in the show,
I found myself appreciating how thoughtfully each character was
crafted by the actor. But of course, director Debbie Wilson
deserves a lot of that credit. She has compiled such an amazing
body of work over the years with EDMT. There should be a lifetime
Tony award for working with young dancers and actors, and she should
get it. No, it should be named after her.
One challenge in mounting this show is having two
characters, Mrs. Meers’ henchmen, speak only in Chinese. Zach
Wilson and Dylan Gray brought this off beautifully (with the help of
translations projected above the stage). And when they sang Al
Jolson’s “Mammy” (“Muguin” in the program), it practically brought
the house down.
Come to think of it, it seemed like each of the major
characters had a big number that wowed the audience. But none was
bigger that Olivia Kaufman’s “Only in New York” in the role of Muzzy
Van Hossmere. I was impressed with the quality and strength of
Olivia’s voice and with her ability to put across a song when I
first heard her as a 15-year-old three years ago. Now with more
experience, confidence and maturity, she is just sensational. No
question: this was a “big time” performance for her. In Olivia’s
development as a performer, and in so much of outstanding singing in
these EDMT shows, one can see the hand of vocal director, Jennifer
Wittmayer. Jennifer’s skill in developing natural talent and
coaching these young people toward professional standards is a major
element of EDMT’s success.
There were so many outstanding performers in this
show. Andrew Wilson (as Trevor Graydon) and Kelly Maur (as Miss
Dorothy Brown) were two more members of this company that were a
delight to watch – and hear. Andrew, especially, provided some
inspired comic acting, and Kelly was the perfect foil to Millie.
Their comic dance number, “I’m Falling in Love with Someone” was one
of the many highlights of the show. Indeed, this show was full of
highlights, one after another. Throughout the evening there was
great comedy and romance, and the personality and energy of the
performers spilled over the stage into the audience. And when the
bows began, who could keep to their seat?
My advice: don't miss this show. These young people are on the move, building careers as performers, and someday you'll pay a lot of money to see them perform. |
