by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Last Friday night I attended the gala opening of the Alhambra Dinner Theatre’s Company. It will run through April 6th, and you don’t want to miss this very unique musical, which has never been matched by any since it made its debut in l970. It was considered highly innovative in dramatic and musical terms then and has remained timeless (with the possible exception of a pot smoking scene) ever since.
The story is about men and women, love and marriage and those have been popular themes since the days of Shakespeare. The story revolves around Robert, a desirable 35-year old bachelor who is badgered and lured into marriage. He is put off by the prospect because of the flaws in the relationships of his five friends and because he acquires women very easily. He is tall, handsome, successful, charming and cosmopolitan. He also has a classy apartment with a great view of the New York skyline.
The five couples all have problems that have been and will be around for ages. Food and alcohol addiction, getting divorced to stay together as lovers, a bride skipping out on her wedding on the way to the church, smoking pot to get a thrill, well you get the idea. Bobby has three gorgeous girlfriends in his life. Marta (Michelle Berry) a streetwise girl, April (Andrea Daveline) a delightful and beautiful but slightly dizzy blonde airline stewardess, and Kathy (Kirsten Owen) a likeable and sweet girl whose heart is really with someone else.
The script, which is taken from five short stories compiled by George Furth, follows Bobby from one home to another to interact with his friends. There is no real furniture, just Plexiglas squares used as chairs and tables. A bed does arrive from under a 2nd level of the stage for the hilarious bedroom scene between Bobby and April.
The unusual music and lyrics launched the career of a young Stephen Sondheim. I can actually sing along with many of the songs (or try to) since I have seen this show a dozen times since my first time at Theatre Jacksonville in the 70s. ‘The Ladies Who Lunch’ is a show-stopping number in act II and has been since the great Elaine Stritch did it on Broadway. Lisa Valdini, as Joanne, sings it in this show and she is terrific. She and Tony Triano (Larry) represent the older generation. They are too young to hang around with old people and too old to hang around with the younger generation.
Matthew Jay Campbell is fast becoming an Alhambra favorite leading man, and he is the perfect Bobby since he has all the necessary tools, number one being that he is really likeable (in addition to good looks, and talent). Campbell is at his absolute best in what I consider the best song in the show: ‘Being Alive’. It will send shivers down your spine, it is that good.
Costumer Lee Hamby has done an excellent job of co-coordinating the attire of the 14 actors to reflect the period and the on-stage personalities of everyone. Director/choreographer Tod Booth has done his usual magnificent casting with fourteen great voices. When they sing as an ensemble, the roof seems to raise a few inches. They are excellent in the acting and dancing departments as well. David Dionne’s set design, especially the New York skyline, is exciting to look at, and Ken Uibel’s lighting design completes the visual treat.
Speaking of treats, this is a dinner theatre, which means food. In addition to the usual standards on the buffet (like roast beef, chicken, seafood bisque), the Alhambra has added fried flounder for Lent, and it was absolutely delicious.
Rounding out the cast are Stephanie Baldwin (Jenny), Adam Daveline (David), Marie DeSimone (Susan), Joshua Edwards (Peter), Patti Eyler (Esther) Laura Hodos (Amy) Mark Macco (Paul), and James John Mitchell (Harry).
Don’t bring the kids to this one. Company is a show with adult language and situations. Jesus Christ Superstar is next on April 9 and will be a hit with audiences of every age. Call (904) 64l-1212 for reservations or visit their website at alhambradinnertheatre.com.
Article Published in the 2-21-08 Issue of EU Jacksonville
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