Displaying items by tag: Dames at Sea
Delightful Send-up of 1930s Musicals, 'Dames at Sea' Nearly Sunk by Bad Sound
Overall Citadel Theatre’s ‘Dames at Sea’ has a smashingly great cast of singers and dancers, perfect for a musical comedy satirizing the over-the-top 1930s movies and Broadway revues that were light on plot and heavy on costumes, dance routine, and ostrich-feathered pageantry.
That’s exactly what ‘Dames at Sea’ pokes fun at, but lovingly. It originated in 1966 as an Off-Broadway show that ran for 575 performances, and became the launching vehicle for Bernadette Peters. Set in the early 1930s, its book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, fittingly for a satire, embody every theater cliche imaginable: A Midwestern chorus girl steps off the bus in Manhattan, falls into a Broadway lead, and rockets to stardom. Plot points are near memes harvested from musical extravaganzas of that decade: The star is sick! What are we gonna do?! The show must go on! Well kid, think you can do it?! What choice does any trouper have?!
Melody Rowland as Ruby and Beck Hockason as Dick in "Dames at Sea."
Six decades later, it’s still totally fun, the comedy broad, the exposition minimal, because we already know the story. Choreography is great, though heavy on the tap shoes, and lilting, lovely choral singing, to boot.
The melodious score by Jim Wise pairs beautifully with Haimsohn and Miller’s lyrics— every song is original, but they all sound like something you’ve heard before. Conjuring up Cole Porter’s 1935 “When They Begin the Beguine“ is Wise’s “The Beguine,” a deft reflection of the original, played with exaggerated passion in a singing-dancing duet by Mona (Ciara Jarvis) and Captain (Steve McDonagh). Or “That Mister Man of Mine,” which, though different and original, is reminiscent of “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man of Mine” from “Show Boat.”
Ciara Jarvis as Mona in "Dames at Sea."
There are some very good voices in this show: Beck Hockason in the role of sailor Dick; Melody Rowland as Ruby, that Midwestern chorus girl; and McDonagh as Captain. Very much in the Benadette Peters mold is Ciara Jarvis as Mona. Jarvis’s acting chops shows she gets it, and she plays the inside joke to the audience effectively. Jarvis also has a wonderful, rich stage soprano,liltingly beautiful and “she’as easy on the eyes,” as a gaffer might have remarked backstage.
All this is quite wonderful, and we could call the show a great success save for one horrible aspect: sound and music. The cast was well miked, and their voices were great—when we could hear them. Unfortunately the prerecorded orchestration was played at too loud a level, at least on opening night. Rarely could singers get above and beyond it. Even so, a couple numbers succeeded, “The Beguine,” and in Act II, “Raining in My Heart,” featuring restrained musical accompaniment that for the moment was closer to balance with the live singing.
The recording of the accompanying music was also lacking—just simply unpleasant arrangements. Combined with being too loud, it was not good. Hopefully, sound adjustments are made for future performances. And as to stage and sets, perhaps Citadel will consider relocating to a more accommodating stage. One with a true backstage, or at least the possibility of actual sets. This is merely a high school auditorium, and a wall-sized LED screen is all they’ve got for background.
Were that sound tuned, this show could be somewhat recommended. It seems a shame, with such a professional cast and the investment in licensing of a strong property. “Dames at Sea” plays through December 15, 2024 at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest, IL.
Unimaginably Good: “An Iliad” Is the Best Show I Have Ever Seen
17 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewCourt Theatre has brought back to its stage “An Iliad,” a surpassingly wonderful riff on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, “The…
Review: You Will Get Sick at Steppenwolf Theatre
16 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIf ever given the chance to see Amy Morton on her home stage at Steppenwolf–take it. She stars in the…
Cast and creative team announced for SENTINELS, a play with music celebrating the contributions of women over the past 80 years
15 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCPA Theatricals and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre today announced casting for their co-production of the play with music SENTINELS, which…
EUREKA DAY WILL PLAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE JANUARY 13 – FEBRUARY 22, 2026
13 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreBroadway In Chicago is pleased to announce Chicago’s acclaimed TimeLine Theatre Company is returning to the Broadway Playhouse at Water…
“Twihard! A Twilight Musical Parody” Sinks Its Teeth Into Limited Engagement At the Apollo Theater
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreOtherworld Theatre Company, the premier sci-fi and fantasy live theater production company in North America, today announced its smash hit…
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces cast and creative team for an electrifying world premiere play Billie Jean
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast and creative team of the world premiere play Billie Jean, about sports icon and equality…
PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD RETURNS THIS SUMMER, JULY 14 - 23
12 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatrePorchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, July 14…
Don't Wait Until It's Too Late: Kimberly Akimbo a Must See at CIBC Theatre
12 June 2025 in Theatre ReviewsI like to think that I am hip and with it (insert millennial Gif here). I like to think that…
42 Balloons Soaring High at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
11 June 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt’s 1982 and Larry Walters approaches his lawn chair. On either side are bags and containers full of various items…
Hell in a Handbag's QUEEN FOR A DAY - July 9 – August 3, 2025 at the Bramble Arts Loft - World Premiere!
10 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreHell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 2024/25 Season with the world premiere of QUEEN FOR A DAY written by…
Review: Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre at Ruth Page Center for the Arts
09 June 2025 in Dance in ReviewThis performance by Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT) at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts directly addressed and refuted…
Review: Iraq, But Funny at Lookingglass Theatre
09 June 2025 in Theatre in Review“Ripe material for a comedy,” chuckles Atra Asdou, writer and star of ‘Iraq, but Funny” now playing at Lookingglass Theatre.…
Chasing the White Rabbit into Ballet Brilliance: Joffrey Ballet’s Mesmerizing 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'
07 June 2025 in Dance in ReviewWowza! If you're searching for one of Chicago’s must-see summer events, look no further. The Joffrey Ballet has done it…
Elizabeth McGovern's AVA: The Secret Conversations to play in Chicago
06 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFollowing an acclaimed run at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles and NY City Center in New York, AVA: The Secret…
A Remarkable Story Based on Real Events: 'Six Men Dressed Like Stalin'
04 June 2025 in Theatre in Review“Six Men Dressed Like Stalin,” now at A Red Orchid Theatre in Chicago and directed by dado, draws upon the…
THE DEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES JULY COMEDY SHOWS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Den Theatre today announced upcoming July 2025 shows at the theatre's Wicker Park stages at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., including Sammy…
OPERA FESTIVAL OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR PAGLIACCI, JUNE 27 AND 29 AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
01 June 2025 in Upcoming TheatreThe Opera Festival of Chicago announces the cast and creative team for Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo, directed by Sasha Gerritson, conducted by…
It's Funny What Can Happen on a "Neighborhood Watch," Now Running at Jackalope Theatre
31 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewYou’ll want to join this “Neighborhood Watch," a fast-paced comedy having its world premiere in Jackalope Theatre’s performance space in…
Kokandy Productions Presents the Chicago Premiere of AMÉLIE
28 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreKokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with…
MJ THE MUSICAL is On Sale Wednesday May 28th!
27 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreProducers Lia Vollack, John Branca, and John McClain and Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the highly anticipated return engagement of…
Evanston Salt Costs Rising: Stormy souls on salted streets at First Floor Theater
26 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewRecent Chicago-area winters have been relatively easy ones. Lest we forget howling blizzards or subzero temperatures, Will Arbery’s Evanston Salt…
Corn Productions has a new original play premiering in June - Support Group For The End Of The World
26 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreCorn Productions announces the world premiere of “Support Group For The End Of The World” Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, June…
History. Passion. Power. A Love That Changed an Empire - Scandalous Boy at
25 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewI’m a geek, I admit it; I love seeing theatre that’s … well … real. Like SCANDALOUS BOY – you’ve…
Writers Theatre concludes its 2024/25 Season with the World Premiere of Dhaba on Devon Avenue
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreWriters Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Artistic Director Braden Abraham, concludes its…
TimeLine Theatre Company announces milestone 2025-26 season, culminating with inaugural production at its new home in Uptown
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreTimeLine Theatre Company, celebrated for its powerful and provocative productions that connect past, present, and future, announces a landmark 29th…
RAVEN THEATRE ANNOUNCES 43rd SEASON - Dave Malloy's A Capella Musical OCTET and Terry Guest's OAK Get Chicago Premieres; TOP GIRLS Explores Feminism Through History
22 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreChicago's Raven Theatre Company today announced its 43rd season, with productions appearing on its Edgewater stages at 6157 N. Clark St. in…
Marriott Theatre Continues 50th Anniversary Season with Vibrant New Jukebox Musical, Always Something There…
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreFor a dose of summer fun, theatergoers are invited to grab their Walkman, cue up their favorite 80s mix tape,…
Lucid Theater to stage comedy BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider, August 1-17 at the Edge Theatre
21 May 2025 in Upcoming TheatreLucid Theater announced today it will present the world premiere of BUDDHA'S BIRTHDAY by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS…
Review: HONEYPOT: BLACK SOUTHERN WOMEN WHO LOVE WOMEN at Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre in Evanston
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewHONEYPOT originated as a creative nonfiction book by E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication at Northwestern University.…
The Title Says it All in Conspirators Remarkable ‘Chicago Cop Macbeth’
20 May 2025 in Theatre in ReviewIt was a dark and stormy night as I motored to The Conspirators “Chicago Cop Macbeth,” with a fog of…
Latest Articles
-
Unimaginably Good: “An Iliad” Is the Best Show I Have Ever Seen
Written by Bill EslerCourt Theatre has brought back to its stage “An Iliad,” a surpassingly wonderful riff on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, “The Iliad.” Starring Timothy Edward Kane in a reprise of his sensational one-man performance as The Poet, it is directed by… -
Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces cast and creative team for an electrifying world premiere play Billie Jean
Written by Buzz Center StageChicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces today the cast and creative team of the world premiere play Billie Jean, about sports icon and equality champion Billie Jean King. Playwright Lauren Gunderson, one of the most-produced playwrights in the US, and director Marc Bruni (Broadway's The Great Gatsby and Beautiful: The Carole… -
PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD RETURNS THIS SUMMER, JULY 14 - 23
Written by Buzz Center StagePorchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the return of its free summer concert series Broadway in your Backyard, July 14 - 23, sponsored by Chicago Free For All Fund. Broadway in your Backyard is directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber, music directed…
-
Review: You Will Get Sick at Steppenwolf Theatre
Written by John AccroccoIf ever given the chance to see Amy Morton on her home stage at Steppenwolf–take it. She stars in the Chicago premiere of Noah Diaz’s ‘You Will Get Sick’ alongside fellow ensemble members Cliff Chamberlain, Namir Smallwood, Jordan Arredondo and…
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.