wow! What a disappointment. Quick thoughts off the top of my head. With threatre in the round, directing a production is more complex. That said, for the most part the direction was basic but every audience member could see the performers however the direction they got was so basic and uncreative that you were essentially watching people rotate while they spoke their lines.
Many people were wondering about the costumes and hair (of course it's a jerry herman production). While the costumes were not elaborate in the MAME sense, they were serviceable and she did stand out among the ensemble. The hair was another issue totally. There was essentially not change in her hair throughout the show, ok, maybe a wig in the second act with it pulled up in the back, but she could have done her own hair for all it's worth. The ensemble had more wigs than the lead.
Which brings me to the lead. Wow, Paige may have energy but from the looks of this production, she really can't act or charm and audience. Her singing was ok but her acting left a lot to be desired. The young boy playing Patrick acted better in their scenes. She just didn't have that thing to carry Mame off. She didn't take command of the stage which you expect her to do.
I will commend the ensemble, they worked their butts off and the men especially were great. Other notable stand outs were Ellen Harvey as Vera and Lauren Cohn as Gooch.
I don't mean to be harsh but this theatre charges 79.00 for a ticket with no discounts. i would not recommend anyway spending time driving up to see this. I was in the area so it wasn't a too long of a ride.
