By Mariah Bailey
Heritage Theatre in Perry, UT is playing Thoroughly Modern Millie, a musical based on the 1967 movie of the same name. Is it coincidental that Heritage Theatre is celebrating their 50th year anniversary, almost the same amount of time that this movie was made? Maybe so. At any rate, what a delightful show, quaint theater, and enjoyable cast.
Thoroughly Modern Millie was transformed to a musical in 2000, with a timeless plot of a small-town girl coming to a big city to make a better life for herself. I remember seeing the video when I was a little girl and thought it was so amusing. Julie Andrews played the role of Millie and was simply marvelous. The musical production opened on Broadway on April 18, 2002 and won six Tony Awards including Best Musical. It toured in the United States and United Kingdom. There are newly written songs and adaptations of songs that one will recognize such as Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite”, and Gilbert and Sullivan’s “My Eyes are Fully Open.”
The first thing that catches the eye when seeing this production is the dazzling time-period costumes from the 1920s done by assistant director and costumer Samantha Anderson-Merkley. The sequins and bright colors with a flapper-look are just splendid. I also love the scenery of the show and especially the girl’s hallway in the hotel. The wallpaper and colored doors enlighten the senses. Director, choreographer, set designer and seamstress Brianna Taylor must have been a busy woman getting this show ready with her many talents. She does a flawless job with her many responsibilities. My favorite choreography of the show is during the song “Speed Test” having the actresses tap dancing while sitting at their work desks. Very clever.
Millie is played by Jordyn Tracy. She is completely adorable, sweet, and innocent in her role. I love her facial expressions and her genuine character. Tracy’s voice has a floaty-tone and a vibrato that is pleasing to the ear. Her counterpart Robby Talbot (Jimmy)is equivalent in his voice and character. Their scene outside of the window is completely believable making the audience hope that the two lovebirds don’t fall.
I love the villainous team of Mrs. Meers (Marsha Holmes), Ching Ho (Barry Leung), and Bun Foo (Flora Tao). Leung and Tao are Chinese DLI teachers in nearby schools and speak authentically in the play. Their translations are shown on a drop-down screen. I love the creativity in this and applaud them for their debut on stage. Holmes, who is also on the board of directors as publicity chair, is not shy at all. Her presence fills the theater and commands the stage. I love her rich belt voice, emphasized makeup, and accent as her con-artist character pretends to be from China.
Millie’s friend Dorothy (Shelly Vause) is an innocent young woman with long blonde hair who isn’t falling for the new times of being modern. She has an angelic classical voice and nice dance movements onstage. It is fun to see her and Tracy tap dance their way in the hotel elevator. Tyrel Toomer plays Mr. Trevor Graydon. The projection of his voice is clear and energetic, which matches his outstanding personality. He and the men of the ensemble have a cute jingle at intermission that will have you smiling and wanting to buy concessions. Muzzy Van Hossmere is played by the enchanting Megan Worthen Nelson. Her buttery-rich jazz vocals can make anyone envious. Her ritzy yet down-to-earth character is realistic and casual, as if she were your best friend.
If you want to have a fun night in a cozy hometown venue, I would recommend seeing this flashy show of Thoroughly Modern Millie performed by the Heritage Theatre in Perry, UT. Appropriate for most audiences, (I would give it a PG for the Speakeasy scene), but anyone who enjoys a romantic comedy will adore Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Heritage Theatre presents Thoroughly Modern Millie, Book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan, new Music by Jeanine Tesori, Lyrics by Dick Scanlan.
Heritage Theatre, 2505 US-89, Perry, UT 84302
March 6 – 28, 2020 Monday, Friday-Saturdays 7:30 PM, Saturday Matinees March 14, 212:00 PM
Tickets: Adult: $12, Senior and Children $10
Contact: 435-723-8392
Heritage Theatre Webpage
Heritage Theatre’s Tickets Webpage
Heritage Theatre Facebook Page
Thoroughly Modern Millie Facebook Page
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