Though both are from the same hometown, they coincidentally meet for the first time in New York City where Ruby is trying to get into a show called Dames at Sea, and Dick is trying to become a successful songwriter before he ships out to sea the next day. In an instant of their meeting, a new and innocent Broadway romance springs to life and will thrive so long as the not-so-innocent Broadway diva Mona Kent doesn’t louse things up for them. Of course, even if their romance survives, the show might not, as demolition crews are busy tearing down their theatre while they try to rehearse. And the only option might be to take Dames at Sea out to sea where Dick’s navy ship awaits his arrival.

This entertaining, nostalgic musical is a tribute to the popular Depression-era musicals like 42^nd Street, chock full of optimism, innocence, melodies reminiscent of an earlier age, and “nifty” comedy. The basic storyline of young, aspiring artists who seek their fame and fortune on Broadway and somehow reach it is taken to the extreme, but in an affectionate way rather than a patronizing way.

The show can be done with a large cast, or just six as it was originally intended. Moonlight does it with just the six, and it works great. Of course, it helps to have six great actors on the stage – which Directors/Choreographers Don and Bonnie Ward successfully assembled. All six can tap, sing, and do comedy with charming flair. They are led by 16-year-old Kelly Felthous as the youthful, innocent, romantic Ruby, being most recently seen as Minnie Fay in Moonlight’s Hello Dolly!. Christian Hoff, who last summer made for a hilarious Luther Billis in the Welk’s South Pacific, here has the perfectly optimistic, wide-eyed demeanor for Ruby’s boyfriend Dick who has to save the show, and save himself from the wicked wiles of Broadway superstar Mona Kent (Cynthia Ferrer) who promises to make Dick a star, but would like a little something in return. Kelly’s real-life older sister and best friend in the show, Charna Felthous, really wows in the climactic finish to Act One – Good Times are Here to Stay, demonstrating a strong voice and infectious enthusiasm, and she combines with boyfriend Lucky (Aaron Neely) for a funny little Choo-Choo Honeymoon. San Diego Junior Theatre alum John Hoshko split himself among two main parts – Producer Hennessey who sees his show being bulldozed down, and the ship's captain who can save the show by allowing it to play on his boat. John’s gruff, Jimmy Durante-like voice made for an amusing duet with Mona in The Beguine.

Rob Hopper
National Arts Digest