I was pleased to get many other compliments at opening night of the “revival” of The Garage Sale at Starlight Dinner Theatre. We were seated with Ron McNeil, the original "Tuxedo Teddy” bear, who was nostalgic over the “wonderful story". It still holds up, after all these years (I wrote it in 1989 when I was between marriages on “the garage sale of life.”) Linda has set it in 1996, the year it was produced at LCP. There are a few “historic” references, such as mention of “disco” and cloth diapers…
Director Linda Granger, of course, has a fond understanding of the show, having originated the role of Rag Baby — and Angela Dill picks up the role with relish. Her sincerity, playfulness, agility and versatility are well exercised as she teases, taunts and interrogates the hapless Tuxedo Teddy, Chris Klaver, annoying but endearing, stiff and proud and fearful in his “original box” (beautifully and sturdily built by Doug Vorce, as well as the ABC blocks). It was fun to see the oversized tableware originally created by Bruce Bennett, and some “integral doll parts” originally crafted by Mary Job again being used in this production. (Cool oversized “Lego” blocks in the background. Not sure which of the many prop-folks did those.)
This is a show about love and loss and risk and hope… and it’s funny, and short (an hour or less) I hope lots of folks will enjoy a taste of this bittersweet cupcake of a show.
The desserts are yummy, assorted pie, cake, cream puffs and the like. (We were encouraged to eat more than one; yesss!), and there was also coffee, decaf, hot water for tea, and lemonade. There are several real garage sale tables up front, with an assortment of toys, books, dvds, puzzles, jewelry, knick-knacks, etc, available for purchase before and after the show. You are invited to bring your own items to add to the sale.
The Garage Sale continues Saturday and Sunday — with one ADDED SHOW next Friday, the 20th.Starlite Lite Dessert-Only show: $20 including Dessert 6:30, Show 7:30
Sunday Dessert 1 pm; Show 2 pm.
($15 for “show only” with no food; you can get show-only tickets at the door.
Waverly East Intermediate School, 3131 West Michigan.
RESERVATIONS: 517-243-6040 • www.starlightdinnertheatre.com