In the program, the directors note their intention for their production of"the ultimate objective is nothing more than to leave audiences dazzled, a bit breathless, bathed in the glow of great music and exciting choreography..." and that was definitely achieved on the Debbie Reynolds stage at the El Portal on opening night.
The powerful voices of the two leads, Lana Gordon and Luba Mason, while magnificent, did not dominate or overshadow the contribution of their supporting cast. These two Broadway stars shed their light on the entire production, enhancing but never overly claiming the stage.
The challenge for the production was in creating the book that would give the music relevance to the plot and Scott Thompson and Fred Barton weave a tale in 25 scenes that moved along and was paced to perfection.
The excellent ensemble executed their numbers with grace and precision. Harris Matthew as Keith Nelson is a standout in dance numbers and no slouch with his musical numbers and acting talent. Another standout providing mostly comic relief and one musical number was Natalie Holt MacDonald as Ethel, The Cigarette Girl, who brightened every scene she was in.
The story line featuring a love triangle with "best friends" Tess (Luba Mason) and Meredith Allen (Lianne Marie Dobbs) and Rick Anderson (C.J. Eldred) unfolds at the core of the show and provides plot interest that keeps things in motion.
Through it all Panama Jones (Lana Gordon) weaves a tale as she fights to keep her club, Dreamland, in business. Her partner in this venture Duke Sullivan (Phil Pritchard) is enough of a scoundrel to keep their relationship interesting. Duke's libido gets the best of him as Kitty McVey (Jess Val Ortiz) gets hired. Not a good girl, but not too bad either, you're kept guessing as her former squeeze Eddie Parsons (Sean McGibbon) can't let go of the torch he carries. McGibbons is the ultimate song and dance man and you can see the influence of Donald O'Connor in his performance.
The sheer vocal power and excellence of Lana Gordon, Luba Mason, Jess Val Ortiz and Amber Wright comes to a climax in a show-stopping favorite "Stormy Weather" and "The Man That Got Away." Breathless, indeed.
Leaving the theatre, I was surprised that it was close to 11:30 p.m. Yes, it was a long show, but one that definitely left the audience awestruck with the talent that All Roads Theatre Company had assembled on that stage.
And, leaving the best for last, the unforgettable music of Harold Arlen from the American Songbook such as "Get Happy," "Blues in the Night," "That Old Black Magic," "Stormy Weather," "The Man That Got Away," and, of course, "One for My Baby" all accompanied by a first rate 11-piece orchestra conducted by Fred Barton.
Scott Thompson (Direction & Choreography) and Fred Barton (Music Direction) definitely gave us "one for the road"-an amazing evening of music, a tantalizing story presented by a stellar cast led by two Broadway divas. It was a night to remember.
One For My Baby runs Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 3pm through March 23
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Debbie Reynolds Main Stage at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Boulevard (at Weddington Avenue), North Hollywood, CA 91601. Parking is available on streets surrounding the theatre.
Tickets range in price from $42 - $135. For tickets and more information, call the El Portal Theatre Box Office at 818-508-4200 or buy online at
www.elportaltheatre.com
Box Office Operators are available by phone from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Box Office Hours are 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 12 Noon until show time on matinee days.