The title of Stop the World, I Want to Get Off refers to anti-hero Littlechap's realization, late in life, that it has been so superficial, his world deserves to come to an end. Until he answers the question "What Kind of Fool Am I?" and decides to leave his whirling world with true regrets, he's the 20th-century type who'll do anything to succeed.
Littlechap and his unseen but not unheard from boss use each other to rise to the top of his social, domestic and international business and political spheres. The poor Everyman marries his rich boss' daughter Eve as his first step to financial success. She's also the most constant of various women (Russian, German, American) he professes to love but really uses when he's "Gonna Build a Mountain" in the world's economic landscape.
Littlechap justifies his escapades by feeling Eve's pregnancies would otherwise keep him back. Besides, she has only daughters, an occasion for a "Family Feud." What he really wants is a son. What he gets instead -- and more appropriately after his graspy world stops -- is a different but comforting heir. Although the story of Littlechap is (unfortunately?) universal, director Bob Trisolini has wisely underplayed and shaved where possible the dated aspects of Bricusse-Newley musical. He's dictated continual momentum, not omitting that of a female chorus. The gals respond well.
Still, Littlechap's adventures need a super-energetic performer of mime, song, dance, and near-monologue. Steve Dawson superbly fits the bill in each area. His able partner, also in whiteface, as Eve and most of the "used" women, Kyle Ennis Turoff spins off these characters with seeming ease and such minimal props as ethnic hats and a boa. Trez Cole's Elizabethan-like platform with side steps set, complete with black arras to an unseen inner, allows the needed scenic flexibility. Ellie Pattison's non-mime costumes are motley in design and colors. Ben Turoff's lighting varies appropriately. The live music is most welcome. The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre brings this musical to its stage to begin what is hopefully a 40th anniversary season. Stop the World was its first production. In fiscal hard times now, The Apple is engaged in fund-raising to assure its future as the longest continuously running dinner theater in America. This is another reason to patronize the theater and see two leading performances typical of The Apple's best.
