Millbrook Playhouse always opens their summer season with a big, spectacular show and this year is no exception. Poodle skirts, leather jackets, crinolines, saddle oxfords, and –yes- blue suede shoes transport the audience back to the ‘50’s. The energetic cast of 24 makes the stage rock and roll constantly.
The story is slightly better than that of most shows written around a performer’s songs. A motorcycle riding, guitar playing handsome fellow arrives in a small town that is run by a strict, strait-laced mayor. Soon everybody finds the love of his life and the town is full of rock and roll with the happy citizens dancing in the streets. To be honest, there is a little more to it all than that, but I do not want to ruin some neat plot twists for you.
The thing that makes this show, of course, is the music. It seems someone is always singing or dancing and each performer is more talented than the next.
The men particularly were amazing. Paul Koudouris played Chad, the fellow with the motorcycle and guitar. When we first meet him, he is getting out of jail to the inmates’ singing and dancing to ---you guessed it—“Jailhouse Rock”. Most of the show falls on Paul’s shoulders and he is capable of the job.
The hometown, nerdy boyfriend Dennis is played by Cameron Perry. He was perfect. I cannot wait to see him later in the season. He is cute, can act, and he dances.
Gabriel Rodrigues as the father, Jim, steals the show as he learns to be cool. This is another actor who does it all and I hope to see later. Jordan Wolfe has a terrific voice and was believable as the up-tight military son of the mayor.
While my high school classmates were swooning over Elvis, my crush was Howard Keel and that brings me to Sheriff Earl. Sheriff Earl is silent most of the time, but when he does get a chance to speak he gave a new meaning to “Can’t Help Falling in Love”.
Unfortunately the music was not always suitable to the women’s voices. Thankfully their talents were strong enough to make their numbers very good.
Kimberly Corbett plays Natalie, the girl who falls in love with Chad and, maybe more importantly, fixes motorcycles. Kimberly sings, dances, and is an excellent actor. Darilyn Castillo and Mary Anitha Parris play Lorraine and Sylvia, the daughter and mother who each have their own moment in the spot light. All three of these ladies are capable of much more in future shows.
Also worth watching for in the future are Josephine Spada and Blair Anderson. Both have good voices and true stage presence.
This is a fun show. You do not have to be an Elvis fan to enjoy it; just be someone who enjoys fun theater.
Note to Bald Eagle High School cast of “Bye, Bye, Birdie”: You will love this one.
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