All singing, all dancing and brimming with screwball comedy and romantic intrigue, this old-fashioned, Tony Award-winning musical, based on the popular 1967 Julie Andrews film, rolls breathlessly onto the stage like a shiny locomotive. The story revolves around young Millie Dillmount, fresh off the bus from Kansas and ready to start a new life in the Big Apple. It's 1922 and she is determined to become a "modern" by landing a job as a typist and marrying her rich, handsome boss. Along the way Millie meets and falls in love with the boy of her dreams, outwits white-slave traders, saves her best friend and learns what is really important in life from a wealthy chanteuse.
William Osetek has directed this pleasant bit of fluff at breakneck speed, ably aided by one of Chicago's most reliably talented choreographers, Tammy Mader. The production bursts with energy thanks to Osetek and Mader's intricate tap numbers, and Charleston variations infuse this show with all the joy of the original Broadway production. Scenic designer Kevin Depinet has created a soaring, movable backdrop of skyscrapers against which the story unfolds. And Tatjana Radisic's flashy flapper wear is colorful and period-perfect.
Chicago newcomer Holly Ann Butler is absolutely brilliant in the title role. She doesn't merely play the part; she inhabits it. Never mind that this talented actress with the girl-next-door look is a triple threat. Simply by watching her face, you will witness every emotional nuance and plot twist of the play mirrored in those shining eyes. Let's hope that we will see more of her in the near future. Directors can save money on electricity by letting this young lady light up the stage with only her smile.
Butler is supported by a talented cast, including Chicago newcomer Mark Fisher as Millie's charming boyfriend, Jimmy, Chicago favorite Paula Scrofano chewing up the scenery as evil Mrs. Meers, Randall Dodge as Millie's rich, handsome boss Trevor Graydon, Dara Cameron as her demure friend, Miss Dorothy, and the wonderful, bring-down-the-house stylings of Melody Betts as Muzzy Van Hossmere. This is a show guaranteed to set your toes-a-tapping and send you home with a smile on your face. And really, what more can you ask of an evening's entertainment?
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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