Is This Any Way to Start a Marriage?
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Story, Wells, David, Spector, Enrikez, Bolero, Stables
Photo by Doug Engalla
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By Joseph N. Feinstein
Into each marriage a little rain must fall. But for Megan and Michael, it happens to be a thunderstorm....and on their honeymoon night! The newest offering at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks arrived June 1 as this romantic, musical comedy came to town once again. It stars the pert, cute-as-a-button Kelly Stables as the bride, Megan, and just the right age and size to be believable, Eduardo Enrikez as Michael, her husband.
Their love-play in both the opening and closing scenes, with singing, chasing, and capturing each other are, for me, one of the very best reasons to take yourself to the Whitefire.
Michael's sweet voice is a joy, and Megan's athletics are phenomenal as she moves about swiftly and effortlessly in the oversized wedding gown she wears.
Their antics and desires come to a swift halt as the telephone rings off the hook. Giorgio (Daniel Bolero), as the bellperson and room attendant in his cameo role, enters to take care of things, and both the brides and groom's parents show up at their honeymoon suite to "check up" on things.
That you will feel the couple's frustration and despair attests to the strong script by Carolanne Marano.Adding to that is the poignant music of Wayland Pickard, with lyrics by Pickard and Perry Lambert. Each member of the cast has a solo and each sings most effectively. My wife teared up as Chuck, Michael's dad, subtly played by Kim Story, sang a love song to his son, "I'll Always Be Your Dad." I liked "My Awfully Wedded Life!" sung by the four parents. In this production Cheryl David took over for Bonnie Perlman as Megan's mother. She did very well with only six days notice. Dan Spector as Lou, Megan's father, was just fine as a concerned parent. Giorgio's two songs, "Giorgio" and "My Quest" were belted out with bravado and elicited gales of laughter as Mr. Bolero puts his heart into all his moments on stage. However, his phony Spanish accent was betrayed by certain words he spoke.
When mother Joanne (Austyn Wells), tells her new daughter-in-law, "This is a very strange family you've gotten yourself into!", Megan replies, "Yes! And ours isn't too normal either!"
There will be enough twists and turns to keep you interested and amused. All the songs help explain and move the action forward. Just don't expect to walk out humming any of the music. It's pleasant but not memorable.
You will get your money's worth and a bit more! The set, designed by Victoria Profitt, is excellent; bright and cheery as a luxurious hotel room should be. Derrick McDaniel has fun moving the lights around to focus on the action. Bryan Rasmussen's direction keeps the actors moving in, out, and every which way to sustain excitement for all the action of the script. Producer Laura Coker has assembled a fine cast to create a dynamic show.
I predict we shall see a lot more of Ms. Stables and Mr. Enrikez, for their presence on this small stage was, indeed, memorable. Daniel Bolero got screams of approval at his curtain bow. Is this any way to start a marriage? If it's the play by that name, it certainly is! Go! Enjoy!
Is This Any Way to Start a Marriage? The Whitefire Theatre 13500 Ventura Boulevard
(3 blocks east of Woodman Ave.) Sherman Oaks 91423 Tel. 323-822-7898 Friday & Saturday @ 8:00 p.m.; Sunday @ 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $30 adults; $25 students & seniors;
$20 groups of ten. Playing until July 8
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