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

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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

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CAROL LAWRENCE

SALLY STRUTHERS