Theatre Review: "Millie" Enjoyable...Thoroughly!

How refreshing to see a show with NO bad language, but with gorgeous costumes and fabulous dance numbers! I found Thoroughly Modern Millie totally charming. I heard some people grumbling that they couldn't understand all the words to the songs. Well, I think that was the point! Some of the numbers were funny because that were sung so fast and squeaky; you didn't need to know what they were saying to get the jest and enjoy the moment and relish in the young, naive wannabe actresses. I thought it was a clever way to show their characters.

This is the new Broadway Theatre Musical of "Thoroughly Modern Millie." One of the producers of the show is familiar to us all: Whoopi Goldberg (too bad she's not traveling with the show). Millie takes place in New York City during the 1920's: the dresses (I should say "costumes" but these outfits are just too pretty and seem straight from the 20's that I have to call them "dresses") are drop-dead gorgeous. Of course, there were lots of hats tonight--both onstage and off. There was a large group of Red Hat Ladies in the audience with their familiar hats. However, the hats onstage were so classic and chic, they were a extra delightful to look at. If you like fashion, then you have to see the show just for the "costumes"...okay, I said it!

I loved traveling back in time to the 1920's: the dresses, the dances, the whole "naughty" girl idea. It was so much fun to see Millie thinking she was "modern" with her short skirts (they were knee length), drinking and daring idea of marrying herself a rich man even if she didn't love him. From the 2005 perspective we have now, those Roaring 20's girls were innocents! They thought their skirts were short--they should see our modern girls with micro-minis, bellies showing, pierced tongues and eyebrows and purple hair!

I enjoyed this show probably more than anyone else because I've always thought that being a Rockette would be a really neat thing to be. Not that I've ever lifted one little toe to make that dream come true...however, I enjoy seeing chorus dancers and Rob Ashford's choreography in this show is just wonderful. I loved it, I loved it! I thought it was brilliant and the dancers were all in sync, whether dancing fast or slow and controlled.

The speed test typing number was so much fun to watch--I wished I'd brought my laptop so I could join in...or at least that a few notes! This scene was reminiscent of the job interview in one of the "Tammy" movies...only this one was set to music and involved a whole ensemble of tap dancers. Wonderful!

Darcie Roberts, as Millie, was just perfect. The audience fell in love wirh her and really enjoyed her seduction scene with Mr. Graydon. She has a strong voice and I'm sure she could have been heard in the back row without a mic if she'd wanted to. Darcie is part of the country/rock trio, The Roberts Girls, with her sisters. She has appeared on "All My Children" and "The Rosie O'Donnell Show."

I loved Stephanie Pope's voice--it was so smoky and husky. She was excellent as Muzzy Van Hossmere and her costumes were exquisite. At first, I hated Pamela Hamill as Mrs. Meers (an unusual name and what a coincidence that Theatre Huntsville's "Fuddy Meers" is playing at the VBC Playhouse this weekend, too!). I thought Ms. Hamill was playing the oriental Mrs. Meers way over the top and it was so hard to understand what she was saying. However, by the time the end of the show comes, it all comes together and becomes even funnier. So, my apologies to Pamela Hamill for hating her through three-fourths of the play.

Ann Warren as "Miss Dorothy" was absolutely adorable. The two male leads were great: Bryan McElroy as Jimmy and Sean Allan Krill as Trevor Graydon are both handsome men with great voices. And one last word: I enjoyed the men dancers in their tan suits dancing with Millie in her colorful outfits. How spectacular!

I don't know why Simon "Growl" of American Idol always criticizes Broadway singers. They are very good and very talented and shows, like this one, usually have an uplifting ending. Everyone goes home happy--onstage and off.

If you like musicals...good, old-fashioned fun...something the whole family can enjoy...and a trip down memory lane...then don't miss "Thoroughly Modern Millie" while it's in Huntsville this weekend.

Thoroughly Modern Millie PERFORMANCES WILL BE:

Friday, January 28 at 8pm
Saturday, January 29 at 2 & 8pm
Sunday, January 30 at 2 & 7:00pm

Ticket Prices for Thoroughly Modern Millie are: Orchestra $49.50
Orchestra II $48.50
Loge $39.50
Balcony $29.50

Tickets for Thoroughly Modern Millie are available by: Visiting the VBC Box Office
Calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.277.1700
Online at ticketmaster.com
Or
By Calling Broadway Theatre League at 256.518.6155
For More Information visit www.btleague.org
And
www.modernmillietour.com

Thoroughly Modern Millie is presented by the Colonial Properties Trust/RNR Ventures Broadway Series, Broadway Theatre League and is Sponsored by Jerry Damson Honda Acura.