Theater Review: Thoroughly Modern Millie

by John Garcia of John Garcia's The Column

Note: This review was done at a technical rehearsal and not an actual performance.

Due to my crammed schedule of performing Forum and next week beginning rehearsals for Nunsense A-Men, my time to view other shows has slimmed down considerably.

However, thanks to Director Buff Shurr & Executive Producer Patty Granville, they allowed me this week to sit in on a technical rehearsal of their next production, Thoroughly Modern Millie, which opens tonight.

It would be highly wrong of me to do a full review based on a technical rehearsal, as there were some technical problems in the show. But what I can comment on was what was already there on stage: An array of solid talent.

The production elements for the most part look smashing. The rainbow color array of costumes is visually appealing. From satins, to sequins, to slick tuxes & suits, designers Michael Robinson & Suzi Shankle did a terrific job costuming the large company. Kelly Cox's scenic design has some really wonderful set pieces, such as the "Priscilla Hotel" and the "Sincere Trust Co."

Buff Shurr directs the production with delightful results, while the choreography by Joseph Jones is by far his best work. A round of applause must also go to Musical Director Jeff Crouse. He has a huge orchestra under his baton, which bring a jazzy, pizzazzy life to the score. They sound marvelous!

Casting-wise, the majority of the leads are all smashing and the ensemble shines brightly in this fable of a modern gal who comes to the big city to marry the boss and hit the best juice joints around.

Erica Peterman grows beautifully in the title role. She brings a warm, inviting characterization into "Millie" that makes the audience cheer for her from her first entrance to her last number. The acting tools are solid, the dancing is pristine, and the voice is first-rate. With a big, belting soprano voice, she is terrific with the 11:00 o'clock number, "Gimme Gimme".

As "Jimmy Smith", Andy Gosnell seals in his status as a leading man now. He has a glowing stage presence that never fades and a lovely tenor voice that turn his solos into ear candy treats. He dances with gliding ease and the comedic timing is right on the money. Looking dashing in his tux, Gosnell delivers his best performance in this production.

Allison Rogers has a ravishing soprano voice that sails beautifully into the operatic range, sounding like a nightingale from heaven. She brings an adorable, sweet disposition to the role of "Miss Dorothy".

Oddly enough the role of "Muzzy" never really grew on me, till now. Maybe because it took the eye blinding talents of the superb Denise Lee to bring the role to exquisite life. Ms. Lee provides a scene-stealing, hilarious performance as the famous chanteuse in New York society. You will love her second act comedic scenes! But that gorgeous voice brings such vibrant life to her solos, you melt like butter in your seat. Because of Ms. Lee's performance, you so badly wished that the composers had written several more songs for the role. You don't want Ms. Lee to leave the stage!

Also giving entertaining performances include Jay Taylor as "Mr. Trevor Graydon", Mary Anna Austin as "Mrs. Meers", and Jane Willingham as "Miss Flannery".

But the persons that steal the show are that dancing ensemble! The gals and guys in the Millie company are a group of dancers that tap and dance their hearts out with hyper energy, have glowing facial expressions, all wrapped up in charming talent. This talented bunch perform in many of the musical numbers; sometimes they do some nifty, snazzy, choreography upstage while a book scene is being performed downstage.

Thanks to Jones' smart and dazzling choreography, the dance ensemble creates theater magic with such numbers as "Thoroughly Modern Millie", "The Speed Test", "The Nutty Cracker Suite", and "Forget About the Boy".

Garland Summer Musicals has a big, buffo hit on their hands (and this was just a tech rehearsal!). Not since their magnificent mounting of West Side Story back in 2001, their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie is by far the best production GSM has mounted in some time. Congrats and break a leg to the TMM Company!

Visit the Box office or call 972-205-2790 for tickets.