Theatrical Review: “Dames At Sea”

DAMES AT SEA
Book and Lyrics by: George Haimsohn and Robin Miller
Music by: Jim Wise
Director/Choreographer: Anthony Frisina
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA is presenting their current production of George Haimsohn and Robin Miller‘s “Dames at Sea” with music by Jim Wise. What a fun show to watch. It takes place during the 1930’s - 40’s and centers around the Broadway dreams of its characters who are reminiscent of the one dimensional characters shown in many of the films of the time. In fact, the play plays with the naiveté of these films making it a delightful time at the theatre.

“Dames at Sea” begins with the arrival of Ruby (as portrayed by Julie Abner who also serves as the productions Dance Captain) who gets off the bus which took her and her desire to star in a Broadway Musical from Utah to New York City. She walks into a theatre preparing a production and meets a Stage Manager named, “Hennesey” (as portrayed by Jimmy Helms) and a dancer named, “Joan” (as portrayed by Dawn Rother). After getting a part in the production, she meets a sailor named, “Dick” (as portrayed by Kyle Donahue who also served as the production‘s Musical Director). They realize they’re both from Utah and decide to get married when it’s discovered she once served him an Eskimo Pie at a diner he visited before enlisting in the Navy. I guess there’s something to be said about home made Eskimo Pies. Ruby then meets the star of the show (which doesn’t have a name until late in the first act) named, “Mona” (as portrayed by Beth Ann Baker) along with Joan’s Man in Uniform named, “Lucky” (as portrayed by Stephen Wovna).

Later in the play, we discover the theatre has been sold and is in the process of being demolished. An alternative place to present the show is needed. The sailors suggest they use their ship and off they go. They (of course) get permission to put on the show by their Captain (also portrayed by Jimmy Helms) who is succumbed by the charms of Mona. The show (now named, “Dames at Sea”) is a spectacular success and everyone decides to get married.

The production is filled with plenty of song and dance numbers designed to delight anyone who enters the theatre along with some truly campy humor inspiring laughter throughout the experience. The delivery of the lines are right on as it could be a challenge among actors not to go too far by overdoing the humorous bits. The physical humor provided by Beth Ann Baker should be particularly noted as it reminds one of Lucille Ball during her “I Love Lucy” performances. This made the production even more amusing and a joy to watch.

The Shawnee Playhouse* production of “Dames at Sea” George Haimsohn and Robin Miller with music by Jim Wise was Directed by Anthony Frisina. The Costumer was Missy Benefield* with Wardrobe by Lydia Watson* while the Light Designer was Sean Warner. The Company’s Technical Director, Set Designer, and Master Carpenter was Scot Cleveland while the Company’s Stage manager was Byrdie Jacques* as assisted by Michael Demyan*. The Production’s Audio was done by Luke Swierczek* while it’s Electrics were done by Jenell Anne Manzi*. The Stage Tech was done by Anthony DiMichele while Marshall Haskell* Operated the Spotlight. The Shawnee Playhouse* producers are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while group Sales of their productions are handled by Mary Horn* (who also served as a member of the Box Office Staff as assisted by Becky Haskell.) The Box office staff included Barbara Ross, Christina McManus, Areil Hudak*, and Melinda Clemente. The Shawnee Playhouse publicity is handled by Amy Cramer*. Midge McClosky* serves as The Shawnee Playhouse* Executive Director.

This production of “Dames at Sea” George Haimsohn and Robin Miller with music by Jim Wise continues its run at The Shawnee Playhouse* in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA until August 30th. I would recommend this production to anyone who would like to go to the theatre and have some great fun. The next Shawnee Playhouse* presentations will be their production of “Sylvia” presented August 7th - 30th and their Children’s Theatre production of “The Jungle Book” which continues until August 22nd. Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $2.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse* Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse* at 570-421-5093 for more information and to reserve your ticket.

Photograph provided by The Shawnee Playhouse depicting Kyle Donahue and Julie Abner in their production entitled, “Dames at Sea.”

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.