![]() |
CAROL
LAWRENCE IN
November 2-17, 2002
Book
by JEROME LAWRENCE
& ROBERT E. LEE
Music & Lyrics by JERRY HERMAN
Based on the novel "Auntie Mame"
by PATRICK DENNIS
Director:
DAVID GALLIGAN
Musical Director: MICHAEL BORTH
Choreographer: LEE MARTINO
Honorary Producers: Ken & Dottie Reiner
| Click the button to download a pdf version of the program. | |
|
|
Flash back to the roaring 1920's as a 10-year-old orphan boy is delivered to his swinging, eccentric Auntie Mame while she is hosting a cocktail party for her wildly flamboyant friends. Thus begins 18 years of fantastic adventures as she proves that life can be a banquet. The Jerry Herman score includes the title song, "If He Walked Into My Life," and "We Need A Little Christmas."
Long Beach Press-Telegram By Shirle Gottlieb
"Mame," starring Carol Lawrence (who is sensational and in top form), is
as fresh and full of joy today as it was when it exploded on Broadway 35
years ago. Director David Galligan has assembled an outstanding cast that
includes Lawrence as Mame, the enormous comedic talents of Ruth Williamson
as Vera Charles. As for Lee Martino's choreography, it is electrifying,
especially the rousing "Fox Hunt" number and the "That's How Young I Feel"
jitterbug routine where Lawrence proves she can still hoof up a storm with
the college-age set. Ah, but before everything happens, it's Sally Struthers
who almost steals the show.
COMPLETE REVIEW
Back Stage West by Les Spindle
The vivacious Carol Lawrence heads a stellar cast as Dennis' zany but endearing
bon-vivant aunt. The triple-threat talents of this veteran leading lady
surge forth in full throttle. The gifted Sally Struthers tackles the plum
role of nerdy bachelor/mother Agnes Gooch with expert physical comedy and
fresh insight, never mimicking her illustrious stage/film predecessor Jane
Connell. Ruth Williamson drolly plays booze-soaked Vera Charles like a barracuda
drag queen, to sidesplitting effect. Michael Borth's musical direction at
MTW soars, and choreographer Lee Martino's adaptations of Onna White's original
concepts are dazzling particularly in the title number and the spirited
"That's How Young I Feel." The show also boasts ravishing visuals. Gary
Wissman's elaborate Art Deco-flavored sets are stylish and colorful, enhanced
by Raun Yankovich's gorgeous lighting effects. Lawrence's chic gowns are
lush and lovely. David Galligan's polished direction, brimming with warmth
and exuberance, sets new standards for MTW. In an era of global uncertainty
and angst, Herman's joyful classics seem like tonics for the soul, and Musical
Theatre West capitalizes on these gifts to splendiferous effect.
COMPLETE REVIEW
Los Angeles Times By Don Shirley
Carol Lawrence takes charge with effortless panache. Clad in snazzy attire
from the Bob Mackie catalog, she dances with ease with a chorus line. She
even does a cartwheel. Her acting captures well Mame's sense of good-hearted
noblesse oblige. Sally Struthers and Ruth Williamson are funny as the repressed
Agnes Gooch and the High-flying Vera Charles. Eight-year-old Jakie Batinga
and Mark W Smith fill the roles of the younger and older nephew with confidence
and charm.
COMPLETE REVIEW
Orange County Register By Eric Marchese
Director David Galligan's staging only begins with the casting of Lawrence
and of Sally Struthers as Gooch. In one lavish song-and-dance scene after
another, the musical numbers take center stage. Musical director Michael
Borth and choreographer Lee Martino understand how to pace Herman's score,
which follows the highs and lows in the relationship between the bohemian
Mame and the young nephew, Patrick, she comes to adopt after the death of
her brother. Lawrence's poise and self- assurance in the role doesn't prevent
her from milking its comedy. Mame is all spirit and little practicality,
and with her reddish hair and lithe figure, Lawrence's comical takes are
reminiscent of Lucille Ball. But Lawrence is natural and winning even when
depicting the ineptitude the script requires of her.
COMPLETE REVIEW
Grunion Gazette By Michael David Smith
Carol Lawrence stars as Mame Dennis
in a performance that shows agile comedic timing and even more agile dance
moves. Lawrence, a Broadway veteran got an enthusiastic ovation when she
cartwheeled across the stage during one song-and-dance number. Ruth Williamson
plays Vera Charles, Mame's hard-drinking actress friend. Williamson and
Lawrence give a terrific performance singing "Bosom Buddies," in turn complimenting
and insulting each other. But the strength of Musical Theatre West's performance
is the triumvirate of Lawrence, Williamson and Struthers, three actresses
who never fail to add the right amount of spice to their humor. This is
a play to seek out and enjoy.
COMPLETE REVIEW
(Click on the photos below to reach the artist's bio page)

