The leads were all great and I especially liked Josh Martin’s angry talk show song as the betrayed partner, Charley. James Curtis as Frank (the betrayer?) was also excellent and spent a lot of time being charmingly conflicted and uncomfortable. Meghan Malusek was stunning and stylish as Gussie; Rachel Daugherty broke our hearts as Beth — with some help from young Miles McEvoy playing her son; Dinah DeWald delivered both humor and pathos as Mary.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by George Furth, this show is based on the 1934 play of the same name by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. It was notoriously UNsuccessful when it opened in 1981. (Director Ben Cassidy recommends the documentary Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened on Netflix.) It has been extensively rewritten and revived to acclaim — and Peppermint Creek is giving us its latest iteration in a new-to-them performance space, Lansing Public Media Center on South Washington, south of Mt. Hope.
This is a large yet up-close space, with the audience encircling on the same level as the actors, and a well balanced seven-piece orchestra in the back, led by John Dillingham. The backdrop is a blank, white, projection screen with no projections — yet I could accept that as the “blank slate” of the characters’ lives. Set pieces were all roll-on units and the specific time travel scenes, ranging from 1976 to 1957, were established by evocative, period costumes and props — many provided by Riverwalk Theatre’s prop loft and Costume Shop. Kudos to costumer Kate Koskinen and props procurers Melody Stratton and Katie Dufort Way. Karyn Perry’s choreography was especially fun in “the blob” numbers.
It’s well worth finding this venue to experience this time-traveling musical. The Lansing Public Media Center is at 2500 S Washington Avenue; free parking at the front and side. Look for the big astronaut mural and the “vote here” signs. Masks are required for audience members.
Merrily will runThursdays through Sundays (with NO performance on Friday October 21) through Sunday, October 23. All shows are at 8pm, except Sundays at 2pm. Tickets at http://www.peppermintcreek.org, and are $20 general admission, and $15 for students/seniors 65+/military.