"...whimsy makes an entrance"

August 7, 2003 performance reviewed by Pat Nichols

As soon as the lights go up at the Theatre Barn for Hollywood Pinafore, whimsy makes an entrance and the cast heads off for a romp with a tip of the hat to Gilbert and Sullivan.

Director Bert Bernardi said he couldn't resist the pull of the 1940s-era musical once he learned about it. He knew immediately he would stage it and that it would be fun.

With music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and book and lyrics by George S. Kaufman the musical can't lose. The familiar infectious melodies of HMS Pinafore take a turn in this delightful adventure about Hollywood whims and how stars are made in the star-studded town.

An Art Deco building in pale tones of cream and tan complemented by white, by set designer Abe Phelps, takes up the entire stage. Columns and an artistic entrance provide the intro for the first number, "We Are Simple Music Folk" done by the entire company.

On the heels of that number, "I'm Called Little Buttercup" introduces LouHedda (Katherine Pecevich), a gossip columnist who knows everything about everyone. What she doesn't know she tracks down.

Dick Live-Eye (Jarret Mallon), a theatrical agent with a patch over a perfectly good eye but a sleazy attitude in general, makes like a busy man with the telephone.

Ralph Rackstraw (Joseph Mayon) and his team of writers make the plea for more recognition, especially if it comes in the form of bigger paychecks.

Brenda Blossom(Kerry Conte), award-winning actress but worried about marrying Joe Porter, head of Pinafore Pictures, sings about her ambivalence.

Joe Porter's (Drew Davidson) eagerly awaited arrival finally happens when he appears dressed in red with an entourage, all also dressed in red, in opposition to the more muted outfits of the rest of the cast.

The play moves at a fast pace, with a procession of HMS Pinafore tunes tarted up with new lyrics, one following the other.

As the story plays out, Brenda and Ralph move closer and closer to each other. Dick Live-Eye parades around the stage and Joe Porter blusters about noting his importance.

In one delightful scene, cast members tip-toe around clad in filmy costumes, almost ghostly.

LouHedda stars in one scene after another, at times stepping lightly, at other times more aggressive. She pairs up with Joe Porter in "Hollywood's A Funny Place" and later in "The Town I Now Must Shake." She steals the show with a fully-realized performance.

Brenda's voice is firm and steady and she and Ralph sing together in several cases. Joe Porter carries his influence and position well despite the loss of Brenda.

Miss Hebe (Deborah Bowman), as Porter's secretary, timid with black horn-rimmed glasses, excels in a small part handled perfectly. She uses every look, every word, to her best advantage.

Jimmy Johansmeyer's costumes perfectly recall the forties from shoes to men's suits to dresses.

The much loved HMS Pinafore will linger again in the mind of anyone who sees Hollywood Pinafore.