'Millie' Is A Knockout

The Goshen Players opened their 59th season with "Thoroughly Modern Millie," which first appeared on Broadway in 2002.

Before the program, new Artistic Director Tom Creatore admitted to some jitters about the musical, but his show is a knockout.

While the audience appeared to be having a rollicking good time, one member seemed unhappy. At intermission, he voiced disdain for the production. I nudged my two companions, both actors and veteran theatergoers, and we strained to hear his litany of complaints. We wondered if he had seen what we saw.

The play is set in the roaring ’20s and the title character, Millie Dillmount, (Rebecca Russo) has come to New York from Kansas to start a new life. Russo can really belt out a song and has great comic timing. Katie Brunetto, in the supporting role of Miss Dorothy Brown, has incredible stage presence from the moment she hits the boards. Goshen Players regular Barbara Stolarik made a notable contribution as singing star and socialite Muzzy Van Hossmere. And the exquisitely evil white slaver Mrs. Meers is played with great aplomb by longtime Goshen Player Beth Steinberg. Mrs. Meers’ Chinese henchmen, Ching Ho and Bun Foo (Michael Riley and John Ozerhoski), are side-splittingly funny.

I must say something about the costumes. In terms of period and construction, they were very well done; the use of color and texture, while aesthetically pleasing, also directs attention to where it is wanted. Hats off to Phoebe Katzin and her assistants. The musicians also did a fine job with the score, furthering the action in the play without overpowering. The choreography is at turns stunning and zany. The cast has obvious enthusiasm for the material and was able to maintain its energy and technique throughout.

So how was our lone malcontent doing during the second act? I couldn’t help checking on him occasionally. He didn’t smile, even when everyone else was laughing. Perhaps he had a stomachache. It was hard to fathom. During the standing ovation, rife with energetic screaming, he was the last to rise. There’s just no accounting for taste.

Goshen’s "Thoroughly Modern Millie" is a lively, visually remarkable production with a lot of heart. Creatore has set the bar for the rest of the season with this musical stunner.

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" runs at Goshen’s Old Town Hall through May 5. For tickets and information, call 860-491-9988.

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