By Stephanie Cousins
Lamplight Theatre Company presents Lucky Stiff this month at the Historic Draper Theatre, and it’s a good idea to grab tickets now. This theater is on the smaller side and the show by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is so good that everyone who sees it is going to want to go a second time. While some might read the synopsis (lucky schmuck inherits millions, but must first take dead uncle’s corpse on the trip of a lifetime) and think Weekend at Bernie’s, what unfolds is closer to a Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan rom-com. Lucky Stiff is a prime example of the beauty of live theater—synergy in action unfolding before our eyes while telling a story that inspires and uplifts.
Each of the cast members stands out in their respective roles, making this a great ensemble piece. Jess Duncan as Rita sings, acts, and dances her way into the audience’s hearts without fear. Her expressive face and boundless energy give her character an engaging, unforgettable personality.
Harry Witherspoon, played by the loveable Daniel Bradley, has the audience rapt and ready to root for him from the opening number. The quintessential everyman, Bradley allows viewers to put themselves in his shoes and wonder what would happen if they, too, had the chutzpah to say “yes.” His plethora of emotions conveys a beautiful character arc, punctuating the tale in all the right ways.
Krystal Funk plays Harry’s nemesis, Annabel Glick. Funk is fantastically talented, enchanting the audience with mannerisms, attitude, and voice inflection that suit the story perfectly. Her song, “Times Like This,” embodies confidence and humor, juxtaposed with a strange, introverted sweetness. She is a joy to watch.
Ross Adamson has the audience convinced that he is actually an awkward optometrist with a propensity for wrestling with unwieldy telephone cords in real life. His timing against Duncan brings countless laughs.
Scot Struble sings “Monte Carlo” as though his life depends on it, impressively filling the theatre with his sonorous, unmiked voice. Andey Tabares almost steals the show with her lively “Speaking French” solo, but she also packs a punch while singing a difficult bit about a telegram with Pauline Mendes. They nail each note with exactness, and Mendes’ physicality completes the jaunty feel of the number. Marin Miller has some funny moments as a drunk maid, contrasting delightfully with her completely adorable sunning scene. Struble, Tabares, Mendes, and Miller each play a variety of roles showing practiced aptitude and versatility. Last, but not least, “The Stiff,” played alternately by Royce Redford and Kye Tanner, is an almost completely silent role and requires poise and control. Having a corpse onstage lends itself to some roll-on-the-floor laughing comedy, thanks to its acting chops.
Finally, while Lucky Stiff may be Dave Trammell’s musical debut, he certainly holds his own singing and dancing as Luigi. His delivery in the climax is spot on. He appears on select nights, with Redford filling in on the 11th, 13th, 20th and 25th.
The top-notch musical direction by Mikayla Batchi is a highlight of the show with energetic numbers, pitch-perfect voices, and harmonies that make the theater come alive. The power and blend of the ensemble numbers are intoxicating. As director, Redford masterfully orchestrates many moving parts of this show and optimizes the use of the minimalistic props and set. The subway gag is a favorite example of this. Redford’s brilliance shines throughout the production. Eldon B. Randall appears to have his hand in all of the pots. His contributions to production, set design, construction and lighting are invaluable to the outfit. The nightmare scene is one of many where these elements come together to create a surprising ride for the audience, adding to the magic of the show. Costuming the main couple in simple brown might seem an odd choice for most shows, but that is an example of the brilliance of Sóley Mathiesen. Her choices tell much of the story without saying a word. The roulette wheel dress was another stroke of her design genius which, when complemented by Nicole Miller’s fun choreography, becomes doubly clever in its first appearance. The ensemble dancing adds to the story without awkwardness. The players convey Miller’s ideas for movement well, and the choreography fits the style of the show, starting out with a bang in “Something Funny’s Going On.”
Lucky Stiff at the Draper Historic Theatre is a hole-in-one. This is the play for anyone needing a night to laugh out loud and cheer for life. It’s a reminder to get out of comfort zones and live a little. It will appeal to lovers of dogs,shoes or optometrists. It will make audiences feel as if they have lived through almost inheriting 6 million dollars, wheeling a dead guy around Monaco, and getting shot at.
Note: As there is a bit of mild sexual content in this show, some parents may choose to make this a date night rather than bringing all the kids.
Lamplight Theatre Company presents Lucky Stiff, Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Stephen Flaherty.
Draper Historic Theatre, 12366 S 900 East, Draper UT 84020
January 10-27, 2020 at 7:00 PM, Matinee on Saturday January 18, 2020 at 2:00 PM
Tickets: $10-15, Senior/Student/Military $12, Children 12 & under $10
Contact: 801-572-4144
https://www.drapertheatre.org/,
Lamplight Theatre Company Facebook Page
Draper Historic Theatre Facebook Page
Lucky Stiff Facebook Event
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