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'Thoroughly Modern Millie' Is Flawless
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Published: March 6, 2009
"Thoroughly Modern Millie," now playing at The Show Palace Dinner Theatre, could go toe to toe with any Broadway tour. Think Broadway in Hudson. It is the perfect example of a talented cast flawlessly directed by Michael Ursua, with brilliant casting by Artistic Director Matthew McGee. Every cast member here positively shines, from the leading lady to the twelve ensemble dancers.
But this show really belongs to Millie, and Missy Dowse is stunning in the title role. Dowse cranks the performance value of this production up a few notches with her lovely, lithe movements and crystal clear voice. Full of energy and determination, this talented actor has the star power to drive this production forward by sheer force. Whether singing the opening number, "Not for the Life of Me," or the heart felt love song, "Jimmie," she is a star.
"Thoroughly Modern Millie," is based on the l967 musical comedy film which starred Julie Andrews in the title role. In 2002, it was restaged for Broadway, and was Broadway's most awarded new show that year, taking home six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This is the story of Millie Dillmount, a young innocent, freshly arrived in New York City around l920, determined to marry for money, not love. Checking into a seedy, low rent hotel that caters to young women trying to make their way in the big city, Millie meets Mrs. Meers, the 'Chinese' landlord, who is running a white slavery ring with the help of two Chinese henchmen. Mrs. Meers advances Millie the money to pay for her room while Millie sets out to get a job and marry her boss.
This show runs like a finely tuned machine, thanks to the creative genius of this production team. Tom Hansen's gorgeous art deco sets, beautiful three dimensional painted drops and slide on set pieces allow for lightening fast scene changes. Costume Designer Angela Hoerner 's costumes are stunning. Katie Kerwin, Choreographer, deserves major kudos for the jaw dropping dance moves and snappy footwork throughout the production, especially during "The Speed Test," where the ensemble tap dances to the clack of the steno machine, with moving desks and a few cartwheels.
Joey Panek as Jimmy Smith, the n'er-do-well Millie falls for, is quite the charmer. His lovely romantic ballad "What Do I Need With Love," sung to Millie while in his jail cell, was inspiring, and the sweet duet, "I Turned the Corner," sung by Panek and Dowse on the window ledge outside Millie's office, was especially endearing.
W. C. Green is a real standout as Trevor Graydon, the pompous boss of the Insincere Trust Insurance Company where Millie lands a job. With his booming voice and surprisingly effective comedic style, he pulls off this role with great gusto. Annie Janson, as Millie's friend, Miss Dorothy Brown, has the voice of a songbird, and is sweetly innocent, without being too cloying. She and Green are wonderful as they lock eyes on one another in their melodramatic first meeting singing "I'm Falling in Love with Someone." Later the four lovers, Millie, Jimmie, Mr. Graydon and Miss Dorothy sing the same song, making for another show highlight.
Paulette Dozier, a professional jazz singer in real life, plays the Manhattan cabaret singer and heiress, Muzzy Van Hossmere.
Dozier wows the audience with her sultry low notes and velvet tones in "Only in New York," and later at Cafe' Society, as she performs "Long As I'm Here with You," with her smartly dressed male ensemble. Wearing the most stunning glittering costumes ever to grace the stage, Dozier, milks it for all it's worth, putting a capital 'G' on the definition of glamorous.
Susan Haldeman as the ersatz Chinese dragon lady, Mrs. Meers, is in her element. She is definitely over the top in a role she was born to play. As she sings about her plans for her innocent female guests in "They Don't Know," we see right into her soul. And Steven Cuevas and Mikhail Pontenila as Ching Ho and Bun Foo, her Chinese sidekicks make a great team.
Show Palace co-owner Nick Sessa confirmed that, "Yes, they really were speaking Cantonese" (cleverly subtitled on large screens on each side of the stage so the audience could catch every word as they argued with Mrs. Meers).
Of course, Show Palace veteran Sara DelBeato deserves mention for her excellent characterization of the strung too tight Miss Flannery, steno supervisor. And let's not forget this ensemble - these unsung heroes are the glue that holds this show together.
"Thoroughly Modern Millie" may be a little sappy at times, with its l920's innocence and predictable love story, but with the creative team genius behind this production, and the ultra talented cast, it is well worth the price of admission. And where else can you get a Broadway styled performance, complete with stunning choreography and music, and a delicious meal for only $46. Once again, Executive Chef Dinah Teaford has created a sumptuous buffet menu.
My personal favorite was the stuffed chicken breast with spinach and boursin cheese. Delicious! With a lovely slice of cinnamon pound cake with whipped cream, or perhaps a dollop of homemade bread pudding topped off with a spoonful of bourbon sauce, this was like icing on the cake for this polished musical production.
"Thoroughly Modern Millie" runs through April 19 at the Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 U.S. 19, Hudson, Fl, 34667. Friday and Saturday shows start at 8 p.m. and the Sunday matinee starts at 3 p.m.
Doors open two hours before each show for dinner and cocktails. On Sundays, the doors open at 1 p.m. and show starts at 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday night performances begin at 8 p.m., and doors open for dinner and cocktails at 6 p.m. Matinees are available on most Wednesday, Thursdays and Saturdays and doors open for dinner and cocktails at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $46, plus tax, for dinner and show. Show only is $34.95 plus tax.
For more information or to reserve tickets, call 727-863-7949 or 888-655-7469.
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