Steadstyle Chicago
	October 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Thoroughly Modern Millie It isn't often that one can attend a theatrical production where the actors appear to be having as much fun as the audience.  "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at Drury Lane Oakbrook is one such production.  Not only was this sharp, energetic production the fastest two and a half hours of snap-crackle-pop musical theater, but it is probably the first time I have witnessed several show-stopping numbers in one show.  This production is smoothly staged by William Osetek with Tammy Mader's choreography bringing us the look and feel of the Roaring Twenties and making the small stage at Drury Lane appear to be gigantic.  Kevin Depinet's set is simple and functional and the costumes by Tatjana Radisic were perfection.  Ms. Radisic will be missed and perhaps one day she will return to the United States to complete what she has started. For those of you unfamiliar with "Millie", it was originally a movie starring Julie Andrews and concerns a small town Kansas girl who heads off for New York with one thought in mind, to find a wealthy man and marry him.  This was the 1920's.  Flappers, women in the workplace and women wanting more than what their mothers had.  For Millie, it was not love that mattered, it was all about the money.  She lands a job with the full intent of marrying her boss.  Along the way she meets a playboy who finds her a place to live, a seedy hotel for female actresses run by Mrs. Meers, who it turns out is involved with a gang of white slave traders from China.  At this hotel, she is befriended by a new young lady, Miss Dorothy Brown, who appears to be a wealthy orphan who has come to Manhattan to experience "How The Other Half Lives".  There are number of little stories that all come together at the finale when all the truths are brought to light and our couples get together as it was intended to be. The book by Richard Morris, who also wrote the original screenplay is a nice little story and the music by Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan with lyrics by Scanlan is the type of music that makes a choreographer's mouth water.  It has jazz and lots of tap.  But what truly makes this production special is the overall package of the set, lights by Jesse Klug, musical direction by Ben Johnson with only eight musicians sounding like a forty piece orchestra, direction and a cast that is sensational from the overture to the finale.  The cast is headed up by the lovely Holly Ann Butler as Millie, who can sing, who can dance and who has a flair for comedy, and Mark Fisher as Jimmy Smith.  While his voice is average, he has the perfect look and can he dance!  Wow.  Mrs. Meers is skillfully played by one of Chicago's finest, Paula Scrofano, and Miss Dorothy Brown is deftly handled by Dara Cameron.  Millie's boss, Mr. Graydon is played by Randall Dodge, an actor who makes each little movement a production.  He can do with his body parts what Dale Benson does with his voice, making a 20 second bit last for five minutes, but five glorious minutes.  Bravo! When it comes to powerhouse singers Melody Betts hits the top of the chart with "Only in New York" and "Long As I'm Here With You".  Her Muzzy character is a little bit Ella, a little Belle Barth and a whole lot of talent.  The two Chinese hotel workers, brothers who have been forced to aid Meers so they can bring their mother to the USA, are playfully played by Paul Martinez and Richard Manera (who falls in love with Miss Dorothy at first sight).  These actors have great comic timing and use very little English.  The other very notable actress in this production is Sharon Sachs who has a supporting role and no song of her own but manages to stop the show with her tap dance number in Act Two, "Forget about the Boy".  She is a stitch and makes her character very lovable. As stated at the very onset of this recap, there were several show stopping moments in this production.  Miss Sachs for one, and a wonderful moment between Mr. Dodge and Ms. Cameron as Miss Dorothy and Mr. Graydon when they sing and dance to "Ah! Sweet Mystery/Falling In Love", two of the better known songs along with the title song for most of the people in the audience.  Ms. Betts has two show stopping moments and Ms. Butler has a few of her own and once with the women dancers.  A show such as this one cannot be complete without an ensemble of talented actors/singers/dancers to play all the minor roles and support parts.  This ensemble more than shines with its talent, it glows.  Gary Carlson, Jarret Ditch, Nina Fluke, Nicole Hren, Joyee Lin, Andy Lupp (welcome back Andy!), Ericka Mac, Ashton Napier, Buddy Reeder, Cara Salerno, Jillian Schiralli, Megan Simmons, Steven Spanopoulis, Richard Strimer, Erin Thompson and  Zach Zube.  Without these fine talents, a production like this doesn't work; they are the icing on the cake and what makes it so delicious.  Go back to the jazzy days of the Roaring 20's and forget what ails you and have a blast! "Millie" will run through December 20, 2009 at The Drury Lane Oakbrook.  Performances are Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., Thursday at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Friday at 8:30 p.m., Saturday at  5 and 8:30 p.m., Sunday at  2 and 6 p.m.  Tickets range from $29-$38 which is by far one of the best values in live theater in our area.  And if you want to add a meal (always a good choice at this theater) the cost goes up to $43.50-$61 (still a great deal).  If you are a senior, the matinee program is even less.  Drury Lane Oakbrook is easy to get to, just north of Oakbrook Center, with plenty of free parking.  For reservations (and I suggest you hurry, because this one will sell out) call 630-530-0111, or call Ticketmaster at 312-559-1212 or visit www.ticketmaster.com or www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.   About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The Epoch Times.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.