Dames At Sea

Some shows, like Dames At Sea, can only be described as joyous. The George Haimsohn and Robin Miller musical, with Jim Wise's music, began as a short piece in 1962 at the Cafe Cino in New York City. It starred a 17-year-old newbie, Bernadette Peters. The creators were determined to fashion a big musical with only nine actors and succeeded admirably.

Dames At Sea is an affectionate spoof on the Hollywood musicals of the 30s. Ruby (Diahann McCrary), a talented triple threat (singer/dancer/actor), has just gotten off the bus from Utah. She is broke, hungry, and has left her suitcase at the depot. A dancer has skipped out of the show, "Dames At Sea," and Ruby is hired. It is but a short leap to stardom. Sailor Dick (William Henry), who was on the same bus from Utah, brings Ruby's suitcase to the theater. It's love at first sight.

Big-hearted showgirl Joan (Whitney Shay Stapp) aids Ruby. Dick's Navy buddy, Lucky (Michael Williams), meets Joan, an ex-girlfriend, and their love is rekindled. Even nasty, abusive leading lady, Mona (Meredith Russo), has her moments with the Captain Courageous (Joe Fitzpatrick), who is the sailor's commander.

Hennesey (Daniel Hall), the theatrical group's harassed manager -- he's produced 12 flops in a row -- informs his cast that the theater is being torn down on opening day. Stage Manager Charlie (Gordon D. Bedford) is always in turmoil. Giggling Trixie (Maggie-Jo Turner) is the obligatory scatter-brained blond. As with all 1930s musicals, there is a happy ending. It's the trip that's so much fun.

Dames At Sea brings together an awesome creative team: Director Thomas Fitzpatrick, musical director Rick Shaffer and choreographer Sara Jordan. Fitzpatrick cast a with a deft eye for triple-talent actors. Shaffer's musical influence is easily seen in the performances. Jordon created dance numbers that look and feel like the glitz produced in Depression-era Hollywood. The choreography of "Raining in My Heart" is a show-stopper. Wow!

The voices are good to superb, as is the cast's enthusiasm. We want all of the characters' dreams to come true. In fact, we want each cast member's personal dreams to come true! McCrary and Henry's duets, "It's You" and "There's Something About You," are a delight. Russo and Fitzpatrick's duet, "The Beguine," is marvelous. Stapp and Williams' duet, "Choo-Choo Honeymoon," is also fun. "Let's Have a Simple Wedding," by all three couples and chorus, caps the show.

Gordon Jones' sets are simple: a bare rehearsal hall and the prow of a battleship, both of which fit perfectly for the period. Chris Powell's lighting is all Broadway-show style, with some delightful color washes. Angela Wills and Thomas Fitzpatrick's costumes give the finishing touch to the perfect look, along with Christian Munoz's hair, make-up and wig styling. Bob Taylor's sound design punches up the action.

Everything about Dames At Sea clicked. The talent, both in solo and ensemble, plays well. This cast are not afraid to belt out a song, show their talents as dancers, or let us know just how the characters feel. But what would a '30s show be without tap dancing? Here, too, they excel.

This must-see production is the last to be staged at the Lamplighters Theater, due (as in Dames) for demolition. Which one of these talented triple threats will follow in the footsteps of Bernadette Peters, wowing us in La Mesa and going on to bigger and better venues to and star on Broadway? It's a dream and, every once in a while, it comes true.