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The Damsel Dialogues: A Damsel in Distress
By Joseph N. Feinstein
In yet another attempt to help America become aware of the plight of maids and maidens everywhere, Dick De Benedictis created and Miriam Nelson directed and choreographed the musical revue, The Damsel Dialogues. It was supposed to star Nanette Fabray who, unfortunately, took sick and was replaced by Jomarie Ward.
The cast is composed of five ladies: Rena Petrello, Dawn Notagiacomo, Catrina Quintanilla, Shannon Watson, Jomarie Ward, and one man, Michael Falcone - none of whom had any
biographical data in the program.
Twenty-six scenes make up the revue; each deals with a different theme inherent to the problems women face: divorce, sisterhood, therapy, motherhood, love, seduction - you get the idea. Unfortunately, neither De Benedictis' music or the most simple lyrics register to any degree. You sit, wait, and look forward expectantly to the next number; but the pizzaz, the oomph, the schmaltz happen only sporadically. Mr. Falcone does a credible job in keeping his face plastic enough to register points, but the general feeling coming from the cast is "We're on, let's do our thing and get off!"
In between song and dance numbers, Ms. Ward does one of her four monologues, attempting to spout wisdom, but the lines just don't make it. Her voice has a certain whine which doesn't go down smoothly. The sets and lighting by Danny Truxaw were adequate, and the costumes and props by Melissa Lugo consisted of street attire for the ladies and some lovely gowns for Ms. Ward.
In all fairness, there are several sketches deserving of praise: Michael and Dawn's physical antics in "Busybody" are original; Catrina's love song in "With Me" is quite effective; Dawn's moment telling us of promiscuity in the song "Easy" comes across beautifully, and the finale finally gets the gang moving and singing - too little, too late!
I'm sad that Ms. Fabray took sick. However, had she spoken the words in each monologue,
she might have gotten sicker for they rang hollow and insignificant. The Damsel Dialogues
offers a ninety-minute escape into a pleasant enough reverie. Greatness, it is not. Simply stated, this Damsel is in distress.
The Damsel Dialogues Whitefire Theatre 13500 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, 91423
Tel. 818-991-1485 Tickets: $25; Students and Seniors: $15; Friday and Saturday @ 8 p.m.; Sunday @ 2:30 p.m. Until April 7. www.whitefiretheatre.com
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