Theater Review
Riverhead's rousing restaging of 'Mame'
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To celebrate its 30th year of presenting musical theater, Riverhead Faculty and Community Theatre has revisited "Mame." With book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, "Mame" was RFCT's inaugural production in 1980 and was restaged in 1992. If all productions of "Mame" are anything like the current one, I say it should be revisited every decade.
Set in the '20s and '30s, "Mame" follows young orphan Patrick Dennis as he is brought to his late father's only surviving relative, Patrick's aunt, Mame Dennis. Mame is a rich, freewheeling "bachelor lady," sort of an early version of a liberated woman. As she says to a man who proposes marriage, "No. I wouldn't want to ruin our friendship!"
Surprisingly, Mame takes to mothering like a bee to honey, but she's not exactly your normal bee. She believes in learning from living, not from school. The bohemian woman and the innocent boy bond, but when he grows up, there we find conflict in his choice of mate. Of course, Mame handles it in her own unique style, and the story unfolds as it should.
Director Robert Beodeker has had the good fortune to find a wonderful, talented and energetic cast and crew and has skillfully led them in one of the best RFCT productions in recent memory. Young Jake Zuhoski, as Patrick at age 10, handles his huge job with an adorable stage presence. Jake Boergesson is also wonderful as the adult Patrick. Dee Martin is hilarious as Gooch, the governess turned old maid secretary, and Dan Yaiullo is on target as the devoted butler, Ito. Pat Wall is perfection, giving a broad yet nuanced performance as stage diva Vera Charles, Mame's "bosom buddy."
Matt Van Glad, as Beau, is utterly believable as the charmer who snags the woman who couldn't be caught; Dhonna Harris Goodale steals the stage as his southern matriarch; and Phil Wilcox is convincing as the officious Babcock, the lawyer who succeeds in sending Patrick away to school. Marion Stark, Chip Sullivan and Erin McKenna are hilarious in their portrayal of the Upsons, the snooty family into which Patrick plans to marry.
All this, and a star turn from Marguerite Volonts, who fills the glorious Mame's shoes and then some. That twinkle in her eye, the defiance, the love and wacky optimism are all conveyed with skill, wit, grace and power. And what a voice! Among the many familiar songs in this show, including "We Need a Little Christmas," the moving "If He Walked Into My Life" has added depth when sung within the context of this show and as Ms. Volonts sings it.
Choreography by mother-daughter team Jan and Erin McKenna is excellent. They show they had a few new tricks up their sleeves and were able to lead the cast to very well-executed dance numbers. Costumes by Pat Speed, lighting by Greg Miller and the Riverhead High School student staff, and sound by Bill Hipp all offer professional enhancement to the entire show, as does the set designed by Mr. Beodeker.
The orchestra, led by musical director Matthew Gardiner, is definitely the best I've ever heard from RFCT. From the overture's first few notes and throughout the show, I noticed how skillful and tight this orchestra was.
Kudos to Mr. Beodeker, Mr. Gardiner, producer Susan Hockett and assistant director Phil Centonze. This is a must-see, so ink it into your calendar for this weekend.
As Mr.Beodeker wrote in his program notes, "[Mame] reminds each of us what is important -- family, friends and living life with joy no matter what the circumstances." This is something we can all take to heart these days. I say, a little bit of Mame in your life can go a long way!
'Mame'
Performances continue Nov. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. in Riverhead High School auditorium. Presented by Riverhead Faculty and Community Theatre.
For tickets, call 631-722-3747 or visit rfct.org. All proceeds benefit RFCT scholarship fund.
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