|
Me and My Girl by Christian Community Theater Blimey but this was a funny show! Extremely popular in England but not produced all that often in San Diego, this comedy/musical is set in Merry Old England in the late 1930s (but before the war). The noble Hareford family has just discovered the long-lost heir to the Earl of Hareford. However, the new Earl, Billy Snibson (Jason Schauer), is a cockney from the poor side of London. And he's got a girlfriend (Amy Cook) from the same side. In order to be accepted as the successor to the Hareford Earldom, he must be accepted by family member Duchess Maria (Susan Boland) and her good friend, Sir John Tremayne (Tom Schmidt). They are willing to work with Billy to make him a "gentleman" because of his blue blood, but will not allow him to marry "his girl." If he refuses to let her go, he will lose the title and the fortune. The musical score is rather average but fun, and it does contain some catchy tunes, witty lines, and the rousing Lambeth Walk. But certainly the best part of this show is the rich comedy. It gets going with the "Family Solicitor" Herbert Parchester (Steve Richards), who breaks into a song and dance whenever anyone in the family asks his advice on a legal matter. Steve is not an attorney in real life. He's actually a gynecologist. A helpful man to have around if anyone goes into labor while watching the show. If you're expecting, don't let that stop you from attending! If you do need legal advice, Jason Schauer who plays the lead Billy Snibson is a lawyer in real life. If he's as good a lawyer as he is an actor, you would do bloomin' well to hire him. He gives one of the most hilarious performances I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy; the total package of voice, expression, timing, and physical comedy. Chevy Chase would be hard put to do the hysterical action stunts this guy does. Jason really shines in the "robe" scene and the scene with the tiger rug, which you just have to see. I'm not sure I've ever heard an audience laugh that hard and that much in just one scene. He and Amy Cook, who played "his girl" Sally Smith, made a terrific duo. You see right away why Billy could never leave Sally, a girl who captures your heart with her humor and love of life. The question is, will she be able to capture the hearts of Duchess Maria and Sir John. Amy will be graduating from U.C. Irvine next semester with a Bachelors in Dramatic Arts, after which she hopes to devote herself to acting. And her new husband, of course, whom she will be marrying this September. Trying to make Billy leave "his girl" was the seductive Lady Jacqueline (Chrissy Johnson). She desires to marry the new heir, and makes no secret of this desire to anyone. That includes her boyfriend, the nerdy Gerald Bolingbroke (Dan Walsh). Chrissy has a strong and beautiful voice that fortunately was able to rise above the gremlins in her microphone. As usual, the Christian Community Theater put together a terrific group of supporting cast members that made for some lively song-and-dance routines. Also impressive were the elaborate and colorful costumes put together by talented Costume Designer Elayn Thoeny who studied Theatre Arts at Grossmont College. Altogether, another great show put on by Director and Co-founder of CCT, Paul Russell. Rob Hopper San Diego Playbill ~ Cast ~
Billy Snibson: Jason Schauer Sally Smith: Amy Cook Lady Jaqueline: Chrissy Johnson Gerald Bolingbroke: Dan Walsh Sir John: Tom Schmidt Duchess Maria: Susan Boland Herbert Parchester: Steve Richards Butler Hethersett: Bob White Sir Jasper: John Christian Lord Battersby: David Macy-Beckwith Lady Battersby: Louise Smith - Stockbrokers and Lords - Steve Bohnstedt Dan Clarkson Joe Demers John Keisling - Ladies - Lady Diss: Mindy Colton Lady Brighton: Kathy Schmidt Lady Damming: Laurelle Gowing Lady Miles: Karen Osborne Lady Worthington-Worthington: Sherry Evans Other Lady: Cathy Huot - Servants - Blair Byrd Jennifer Cloutier Betsy Effron Elizabeth Hambrick Kim Messina Sarah Rossoll Kristi Tucker Stephanie Webster Major Domo: Steve Gentry - Footmen - Daniel Boman Justin Kent Jacob Johnson Zack Peterson Head Cook: Sandia Tuttle Chef: Dennis Tuttle - Pearlies - Daniel Boman Blair Byrd Jacob Johnson Justin Kent Kim Messina Sarah Rossoll - Other Cockneys - Betsy Effron Cathy Huot Ray Simard Zack Peterson Mrs. Brown: Cathy Huot Constable: Steve Bohnstedt Telegram Boy: Daniel Boman - Ancestors - Steve Bohnstedt Daniel Boman Dan Clarkson Joe Demers Steve Gentry Justin Kent David Macy-Beckwith Zack Peterson Ray Simard Dennis Tuttle Director: Paul Russell Intern Director: Joshua Kirk Musical Director: Mary Campbell Choreographer: Vivian Valade / KC Grulli Accompanist: Nancy Casey Conductor: Harvey Tellinghuisen Costume Designer: Elayn Thoeny Scenic Designer: Henry Loughman Lighting Designer: David Kievit Master Electrician: Tristan Gates Rehearsal Secretary: Angie Cascio / Nancy Skinner Sound Designers: Larry Easu & John Jacobs Stage Manager: Angie Cascio Production Coordinator: Henry Loughman |