In a move to better reflect the broad regional base of their audience, Stoneham Theatre has renamed and rebranded themselves as Greater Boston Stage Company. They continue to call the Stoneham Theatre their home port, so it is fitting that the launch of the new season and the new name should be the wonderfully entertaining "Dames At Sea." This light hearted musical, with Book and Lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller and Music by Jim Wise, lovingly pokes fun at the 1930s era Busby Berkeley musicals and "42nd Street," in sort of a "Forbidden Broadway" light approach to parody. On a weekend when concerns about Hurricane Irma, the disappointing start to the Patriots' season, and continuing nausea caused by the miasma emanating from the swamp in D.C. had many of us feeling a bit down, this musical was a tonic for the soul.
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| Cast "Dames At Sea" Greater Boston Stage Company at Stoneham Theatre Through September 24th Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots |
This is a show driven by tap dance, so it is fitting that the Captain of this ship is Ilyse Robbins as Director and Choreographer. Her fingerprints and signature footprints are all over this delightful production. She has cast a wonderful crew of six to tell the story with their voices and with their feet. This sexy sextet pair off into three interesting couples - each couple emitting sparks of chemistry and sensuality. They are:
- Ephie Aardema is Ruby, recently off the bus from Utah to find stardom on Broadway. Her suitcase contains a single pair of tap shoes. In a nod to "42nd Street," just before giving up on her dream, she fills in for the seasick leading lady and becomes an overnight sensation. Ms. Aardema is a veteran of Broadway ("Bridges of Madison County"), and brings a believable innocence to the role of Ruby as she taps her way into our heart. She gets to show off her vocal chops in the duet "It's You," "The Sailor of My Dreams," and "It's Raining In My Heart."
- Her own heart is won by the sailor, Dick (a very impressive Tavon Gamble). When he is not swabbing decks and swooning over Ruby, Dick writes catchy songs. Mr. Gamble shines in "Broadway Baby" and in his duet with Ruby, "There's Something About You."
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| Ephie Aardema as Ruby Tavon Gamble as Dick "Dames At Sea" Greater Boston Stage Company at Stoneham Theatre Through September 24th Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots |
- The multiple IRNE Award winner Shana Dirik is fabulous as Mona. She is in full diva mode as she tries to dismiss Ruby, seduce Dick, and reignite the spark with an old flame, Captain Courageous. (I told you it was a parody!) She kicks off the fun with her rendition of "Wall Street," and teams up with the Captain for "The Beguine."
- Russell Garrett is a wonderful foil to Mona as the Captain, as well as in his role as Hennesey. He gets to strut his stuff in a reprise of "Broadway Baby" as well as in the aforementioned duet "The Beguine."
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| Russell Garrett as Captain Shana Dirik as Mona "Dames At Sea" Greater Boston Stage Company at Stoneham Theatre Through September 24th Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots |
- Sara Coombs stands tall as the jaded Broadway veteran hoofer, Joan, who takes Ruby under her wing - or perhaps I should say her buck and wing! She encourages the rube Ruby to stick with it, despite the rough seas generated by Hurricane Mona. As Ruby is falling for Dick, Joan falls for Dick's shipmate, Lucky. They throw off sparks with their duet "Choo-choo Honeymoon."
- As Lucky, Michael Seltzer is winsome and charming. This recent graduate of Boston Conservatory at Berklee acquits himself well alongside his more seasoned shipmates. We hear his strong tenor voice in the "Honeymoon" duet, and see his tap dance virtuosity throughout the show.
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| Michael Seltzer as Lucky Sara Coombs as Joan "Dames At Sea" Greater Boston Stage Company at Stoneham Theatre Through September 24th Photo by Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots |
I cannot say enough about the tap dancing. Whether in solo sequences, duets, or full ensemble numbers, the tapping was precise and impassioned and always fully synchronized. The dancers were kept in synch by the wonderful twin pianists, Steven Ladd Jones, Music Director, and Bethany Aiken. Eric Levenson's Scenic Design brought us aboard a battleship docked at a pier in New York City. Costumes by Emily Taradash beautifully fit the nautical theme of the show, and Lighting by Chris Fournier and Sound by John Stone buttressed the efforts of the cast.
The precision of the dancing speaks to great training on the part of each cast member, and meticulous choreography and direction by Ms. Robbins. The show will run through September 24th. Dames - and Gents - I encourage you to book passage on the good ship "Dames At Sea." You will find it to be a pleasure cruise.
Enjoy! And smooth sailing!
Al
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