Meet me in St. Louis, now running at The Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place through December 21st, is an absolutely delightful production of one of my favorite shows.
Imagine you are a young girl, newly in love and in love with one of the greatest and most advanced cities in the world.
It was St. Louis in 1904 and home of the World’s Fair - full of exciting scientific advances, like outdoor electric lights in a time when a long distance phone call was anticipated by an entire family and could change your life!
Take your family and friends back to the turn of the century when three generations lived under one roof and a kiss from a boyfriend may mean engagement!
Megan Long is adorable as the lovelorn Esther, and had a loveable and quirky quality to her characterization. Emily has a wonderful voice, which could really be impressive as she matures in the role. My only note to this talented young actress (who may have a had a few opening night jitters) would be to let the joy of the trademark “Trolley Song” come out more fully, more than Esther’s insecurities over having found love. The song is a classic and much loved, much studied piece of Judy Garland and demands special attention. In addition to a great range, the audience wants and expects to hear a blockbuster - the free soaring joyfulness and warm smiles of the original that make this song the icing on the cake.
Justin Berkobien who is also a playwright and recording artist, deftly played Esther’s boy next door love interest, John Truitt, and had some great moments of physical comedy and added the clever flavor of a modern Jimmy Stewart to his part.
The costumes are a pleasure to take in as Tatjana Radisic has done a lovely job of dressing the cast in a variety of flattering and updated, softly muted pastel, period costumes that really convey the extreme romance as well as modesty and modernity of the time. I also really enjoyed the joyful dance numbers and free flowing staging by Director Jim Corti and choreographer Tammy Mader, which included seeing the five-piece orchestra at the back of the stage observing the play and subtly reacting to the players throughout the show.
All of the supporting cast members did a great job of bringing their characters to life along with the talented ensemble players in the singing and dancing which was demanding. I especially enjoyed Stephen Schell-Hardt as Lon Smith, Esther’s brother. Stephen’s graceful dancing and carriage in the showstopper number with his partner Lucille Ballard, cheerfully played by Nicole Hren, really captured the particularly delightful, graceful manner of the time - modernly clean cut, both and reserved and free at the same time.
Kudos also to Richard Henzel (Grandpa Prophater) Michael Gerhart (Mr. Smith)
Cory Goodrich (Mrs. Smith) and Susan Hart (Katie), whose mature and generous talents grounded and gave heart to this heartwarming and well-directed production.
I confidently recommend this production as funny, fashionable and heartwarming family fare that will definitely brighten your holiday celebrations here in the thoroughly modern city of Chicago!
For more information go to www.drurylanewatertower.com or call 312-642-2000.
