'Jerry's Girls' 'toe-tapping success' for MTG
Opening night for Musical Theatre Guild's “Jerry's Girls” at the William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall on Friday was a toe-tapping success.
The show features an all-female cast and is a retrospective of the classic songs of Jerry Herman a prolific song writer of the stage. The evening was filled with gowns, girls and gutsy performances.
Some audio issues plagued the first couple numbers, but none of the performers missed a beat. The production began with “It takes a Woman,” an all cast number from “Hello, Dolly!”
The musicals “Mame,” “Hello, Dolly!” and “Mack and Mabel” had the most featured numbers in the show.
Typically staged with three or four women, the MTG's production featured a cast of 10 with a three women ensemble of dancers and copious costumes.
Paula Baptiste Floyd had ample opportunity to showcase her rich vocals beginning with “It Only Takes a Moment,” “Shalom,” and “If He Walked into My Life” all in act one. Her “Time Heals Everything” in act two was quite moving.
“Wherever He Ain't” was the first comedic number courtesy of Tammy Erkman, whose flair was perfect for this sassy number.
Erkman's penchant for comedy paid off in the “Take It All Off” number when she sang “Put It Back On.” Her teasing and, yes, tassels made for a raucous number rewarded with the audience's laughter and banter.
A delightful tap number, “Tap Your Troubles Away,” featured the duet of Samantha Roth and Madison Zajacs. The energetic number was a joy to watch.
The choreographed tap routine was performed by Tammy Erkman, Tina Zajacs, Megan Sell, Jade Bowers and Kourtney Groves. It was like a trip back in time to when dancing was a regular feature in films.
Sue Ann Aiken wowed with “I Won't Send Roses” from “Mack and Mabel.” Her unique style was perfect for the song, and the staging by director Patrick Erkman was brilliant to show the two parts of the number.
“Bosom Buddies” from “Mame” featured Amy Cannard and Chris Lilley as they strutted their stuff and exuded sassiness. Their voices complimented the piece. Cannard shone again in act two with her comical, “Nelson” from “A Day in Hollywood.”
A Vaudeville Medley in act one featured a fun song, “The Man in the Moon” from “Mame” sung by Ariana O'Donnell.
Her delivery was amusing, and she displayed her vocals in act two with lovely harmonies in “Kiss Her Now,” a moving duet with Paula Baptiste Floyd.
Cindy West's big voice was a pleasant surprise in “Before the Parade Passes By.”
She had a chance to try her acting chops in act two when she performed “I Don't Want to Know,” a haunting and jarring part of the score from “Dear World.”
Megan Sell, one of the featured dancers, offered a rousing performance in “That's How I Feel” from “Mame.” Light on her feet with smile lighting up the room, she danced, flipped and spun life into the song.
The orchestra featuring Chris Savannah, Jessica Sanzotti Henley, Karen O'Donnell and Larry Songer Jr. did a commendable job with the score including sound effects.
While there is no narration, the musical numbers flowed from one to the next.
The gowns and glitz were astounding with a myriad of costume changes that seemed effortless.
A series of tunes from the movies found its way into act two along with a medley from “La Cage aux Folles,” featuring a surprise guest performer.
Some of the music is familiar while other numbers are from more obscure works. This show makes for a entertaining evening.
Seating is limited but comfortable in the air-conditioned production center. The show, which clocks in at just under two hours, runs through Sunday.
WHO: Musical Theatre GuildWHAT: “Jerry's Girls”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. SundayWHERE: MTG's William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall at the rear of Memorial ParkTICKETS: $17, available at www.mtgbutler.org or call 724-287-8243 between 7 and 9 p.m.Sunday through Wednesday.
