REVIEW: Skyview's "Thoroughly Modern Millie" Thoroughly Enjoyable

Skyview High School presents the classic musical tale of a modern (1922) girl THIS WEEKEND ONLY.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" is a musical with music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Dick Scanlan, and a book by Richard Morris and Scanlan. Based on the 1967 film of the same name, (which, by the way, starred Julie Andrews, Carol Channing and Mary Tyler Moore). "Thoroughly Modern Millie" tells the story of a small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City to marry for money instead of love – a thoroughly modern aim in 1922, when women were just entering the workforce.

Millie soon begins to take delight in the flapper lifestyle, but problems arise when she checks into a hotel owned by the leader of a white slavery ring in China. Like the film on which it is based, it interpolates new tunes with some previously written songs. [Source: Wikipedia] 

Thoroughly Great Overall

What a great show! I loved the music first and foremost; the Gershwin-esq ragtime was simple full of  toe-tapping energy. The 24 piece orchestra, under the direction of Ashley Alexander, was tight and, for the most part, did not overpower the stage performances. Especially good were the percussionists and the string section was simply marvelous.

The story is fun and funny, with a few twists that remind one of the Shakespeare comedies (and it ends like one). The choreography, by Genay Tucker, was wonderful. Very creative and nicely executed. Especially good was the tap sequence by Shannon Jung. Costumes were nice and colorful, but not always accurate.

The sets, by Ted Fleming, were changed with precision and speed as if the crew was brought in from Les Schwab. The primary set consisted of a lit cyc fronted with black cutouts of New York high rises with faux painted accordion flats used in front of the backdrop--though not fancy, they worked well. The stenographers desks were exceptionally nice and must have cost a pretty penny.

All the cast (a very large one) performed well (though the lead men were a tad stiff), Kennedy Marvin as Millie turned in a truly top-notch performance. Her voice was divine and her acting superb. Almost a 'triple threat,' though she was not showcased as a dancer. Sanni Small also sang exceptionally well. The show was wonderfully directed by drama instructor Philip Denton. The pace and detail were perfect.

There are many fun and funny elements to the show (like the captioning for the Chinese which is quite cute) and who couldn't like Maya Turner's edgy but funny performance as the iconic Mrs. Meers? The two Chinese brothers, played by Nathan Harris and Andrew Braddock where a hoot. Again, the songs were fantastic, too many great ones to really pick favorites, but if I had to I might put Muqin (mother) or Speed Test (reminiscent of Gilbert and Sullivan's Modern Major General) at the top.

Though Rough at Times

The lighting was inadequate at DSL and DSR where the candlepower dropped off considerably. No followspot was used and, being a musical, would have been totally acceptable and helped to bring soloists out of the crowd and better register the performances. [See my article on stage lighting here.]

There were some (though few) mic problems; not on or up, and some rough breath noises (due to being too close to the lips). Many of the mics were honkin' big (Britney Spears anyone?) and that was a distraction that just didn't look good.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" plays 7 p.m. May 3 and 4 ONLY* at the Skyview High School auditorium, 1300 NW 139th St. Tickets are steal at $5, $4 for students are available at the door. 360-313-4200. Philip.Denton@vsd.org

*It is a shame that such a great show has such a limited run, but I was told that the auditorium is a big money maker for the district and so booking it for an actual student event (like a theatrical run by the drama department) is not a priority. WHAT!? Income over education? A real shame considering all the expense and time put into staging a musical. With quality like this it should be showcased!

Review by Gregory E. Zschomler

REVIEW: "Good Grief" Skyview High School's "Charlie Brown" Feels Good!

"You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" the musical, based on the Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz, runs THIS WEEKEND ONLY at Skyview High School, 1300 NW 139th St., Vancouver, Wash.

The Skyview show is the third production I've seen of "Charlie Brown" and the second time I've reviewed it for this blog.

I include these few comments from the former review:

Laura McDonnell as Lucy and Colin Smith as Charlie Brown

"Somehow, as a 1970s high school theater geek, I acquired an LP of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and played it repeatedly while singing along to the title track, My Blanket and Me, Happiness, Suppertime and the show’s other catchy songs... [T]hat was before it was re-envisioned in the 1999 Broadway revival...with a few new songs and a character swap (Sally for Patty) the show [certainly has a different quality to it]. [However, I] can’t say I ever really loved the show for more than its music. It’s quirky and silly and lacks a through story. Still, if you’re a fan of the Peanuts gang comic strip, you will probably like the show for its strip style vignettes."

It's been a long time since I saw the 1967 original and, honestly, I cannot now decide which version I like better. Last year I saw the the 1999 version directed by Tony Bump with an adult cast. I won't compare the two on those merits, however, I will say that it is nice to see the show performed by a youthful cast (though it was fun seeing adults play kids, too).

The Characters

A dress rehearsal with incomplete backdrop

This high school production was deftly directed by Philip Denton (who likened it to a parade). It featured a fine ensemble and the cast was a joy to watch. While the young cast didn't quite push it to where it needed to be--a little more kid-like energy on the part of the men, though they were good, would have gone a long way to improve the performance as a whole. The women, on the other hand, were very good.

That said, I truly enjoyed all the cast performances. The ensemble includes: Nathan Harris as Schroeder, Kennedy Marvin as Patty (not Peppermint Patty), Laura McDonnell as Lucy, Spencer Reid-Rice as Linus, Thomas Silk as Snoopy and Colin Smith in the lead role of Charlie Brown. Marvin and McDonnell--both with excellent singing voices, expressive faces and exceptional delivery--were standouts.

All cast members sang well, especially in the well-harmonized chorus numbers. Smith did slip from the melody from time to time during his solos, but it might have been nerves. With some training and confidence he will shine as a vocalist. He very much reminded me of my late high school friend (the exceptional actor, Steve Catt, in looks and mannerism). Silk made for a very smooth Snoop-dog; his rendition of Suppertime was certainly the showstopper.

The Setting

The cast of Skyview's "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"

The set consisted of primary-colored construction paper polygons, bound by wide black boarders, that wrapped from the back wall onto the stage floor suggesting cartoon panels. It was simple, cheap and effective. The lighting design consisted of amber down and side lights, daylight blue key and fill, and some white front lighting. It, too, was effective, though at times was not quite bright enough for a musical. Costumes were nice.

The setting was quite interesting as well. Rather than use the auditorium seating area (which is quite large) the seating was on the stage, with audience members on risers close to the action. Which meant only 80 seats, but created an intimate feel. Audience members in the front row, beware (it can get personal).

"Charlie Brown" is a happy, feel-good musical for the whole family and I do recommend that you see this production. Remaining shows are: 7 p.m., January 25 and; 2 and 7 p.m., January 26. General admission is $5. What a deal! Tickets are available at the door on a first come basis.

By Gregory E. Zschomler
Photographs provided.

Skyview High School Presents the Musical "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"

"You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" will play four times ONLY at Vancouver's Skyview High School begin-ning January 24. 

The musical, based on the comic strip by Charles Shultz, will play at 7 p.m., January 24 and 25 and at 2 and 7 p.m., January 26. General admission is $5.
A planned "Dinner with the Director" Event has been canceled.

OUR REVIEW WILL BE POSTED FRIDAY 01/25/13