Date: Fri 29-Aug-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: DONNAM

Quick Words:

Girl-Gateway's-theatre-Fenn

Full Text:

(rev "Me And My Girl" @Gateway's, 8/29/97)

Theatre Review-

"Me And My Girl" A Fun Frolic At Gateway's

(with photo)

By Howard Fenn

Special To The Newtown Bee

NEW FAIRFIELD - Me and My Girl is currently running at Gateway's Candlewood

Playhouse, and judging by the audience reaction the night I attended, it keeps

the current season a winning one right until the last. This show, which closes

the regular season, is a delightful light comedy with an engaging cast led by

Paul Clausen in the role of Bill Snibson. Snibson is a role demanding

boundless energy which Mr Clausen delivers constantly to the audience's

delight.

Briefly, the story: The estate of the late Earl of Hareford is seeking a valid

heir. Snibson is that heir, albeit an illegitimate one and the plot spins

around the square peg trying to fit into a round hole, since Snibson is not

"to the Manor born." He also has a girlfriend, Sally, played with appropriate

sweetness and engaging voice by Mary Lou Barber. Sally is also not welcomed by

the "nobs" with open arms.

This brings us to the "upper crust" part of the family. First we meet the

comely Lady Jacquie who is engaged to Gerald, right up until they find he will

not inherit the Hareford estate - which occurs mere minutes into the show.

From that moment on, she sets her sights on the new Earl for conquest.

This role is ably played by Michelle Potterf, who causes a collective sigh of

"yes" when she performs "You Would if You Could." Chasing after her as Gerald

is Jody Madaras, who plots and pursues with wonderful comic timing.

Then there is the hierarchy of the estate who are to judge if Snibson is a fit

heir. First there is Maria, Duchess of Dene. This role is played by Tracy

Rosten, who shines as both friend and foe to the new heir, liking him but

never losing sight of her duty to the estate.

She is joined in this task by Sir John Tremayne, played by Gary Marachek. Mr

Marachek also shines in this role, so very different from the one he played

earlier in the season - Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha . He again

demonstrates his fine timing and comic ability.

The rest of the cast is very good, with the actors playing two or sometimes

three different roles. They deliver the familiar song/dance number "The

Lambeth Walk" that ends Act One with abandon that does not disappoint. I also

enjoyed the library scene where a multitude of ancestors make special

appearances.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Darin Depaul, who portrays the family

solicitor Herbert Parchester. Mr Depaul delivers the paen to lawyers, The

Family Solicitor, with great relish. He knows how to take command when it is

his character's time and yet not upstage. I enjoyed him very much.

This is not a heavyweight musical, and the director has kept it light and

moving. At times, through no fault of the cast, a musical number can slow the

otherwise frenetic pace Mr Clausen and the rest of the cast has set. But they

pick things right up after these "atmosphere" songs are done.

This show delighted a full audience and completes a season of wonderful live

theatre. I was happy to learn that there would be two additional productions,

although for short runs, of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and

an original musical Dracula . But while you're waiting for those productions,

take a Lambeth Walk and see this one at Gateway Candlewood Playhouse. Mr

Clausen, Ms Barber and the rest of this engaging cast will not disappoint.

Gateway's regular-season closer continues until August 31, with performances

on Friday at 8:30 pm, Saturday at 5 and 9 pm, and Sunday at 7 pm. For ticket

information or directions, call the box office at 790-6865.