Maryland performances including Theater, plays, ballet and opera

Review: "Dames at Sea" opens at Children's Theater of Annapolis

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Published on Monday, 16 July 2012 09:49

Written by Karen Gaspers

Sailing into Annapolis this summer is a musical that reminds us that "Good Times are Here to Stay." Infinity Theatre Company brings this endearingly quick and quirky show about chorus girls and the sailors they love to America's Sailing Capital for a trip back in time to 1930's New York.

Three-time Tony Award nominee Randy Skinner comes to Annapolis this summer to direct and choreograph "Dames at Sea," by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller, a musical that is part parody of Busby Berkeley-esque musicals like the original "42nd Street," while at the same time completely capturing the feel of all of those musicals with a cast of only six performers. Though the show takes more than a few jabs at the clichés associated with 1930s movie musicals, it is a story full of heart. It tells the story of Ruby, a young girl who moves from Utah to New York with nothing in her suitcase but a pair of tap shoes, and her journey to become a Broadway legend. "Dames" is an incredibly witty show, embracing the absurdity of old-timey musicals and creating characters that are far from stereotypes and caricatures.

One of the strongest aspects of the show is Mr. Skinner's phenomenal choreography. Despite the elements of parody in the production, this show is one that embraces tap dancing completely and makes it one of the biggest selling points. Every time the familiar click of tap shoes begins, audiences should expect the best, because that is exactly what they are about to see. Combined with jazz and ballet numbers, the choreography of "Dames" is simply wonderful.

As Ruby, Megan Kelley is marvelous, stealing the show with her remarkable dancing abilities in "Star Tar" and her vocal prowess in "Raining in My Heart." Eric Huffman is Dick, Ruby's love interest and sailor in the Navy who is charmingly sweet and always looking out for Ruby. Huffman is just as charming as his character, dancing and singing his way into the audience's hearts. Darien Crago plays Joan, the tough, wise-cracking chorus girl who helps Ruby. Crago is wonderful, giving the character enough spunk to make her lines hilarious, all while backing it up with fantastic talents as a singer, dancer, and actress. Her love interest is Lucky, played by Cody Davis, whose buffoonish charm is complimented by his own talents and his chemistry with Crago. Together, the two create an often feuding but always loving couple that audiences will adore. Also featured are Kristie Kerwin as Mona Kent, your standard show-business diva, and Erick Buckley as both Hennesey and the Captain. Kerwin is outstanding, with a voice and stage presence that puts real Broadway divas to shame. Buckley, who was last seen on Broadway as Uncle Fester in "The Addams Family," is hilarious in both his roles, often switching mid-scene.

Featuring a cast of six outstanding performers, "Dames at Sea" is an amazing show. The sets are beautiful and functional and the instrumentation is of the highest quality. Seemingly all aspects of "Dames" are top notch and this show will have audiences laughing and applauding even after the cast takes its final bow. This show is a must see for anyone who has even a passing interest in theater.

"Dames at Sea" runs through August 5, 2012 (Thurs-Sun only), at the Children's Theater of Annapolis Complex in Annapolis. The performance runs approximately 2 hours including a 15 minute intermission. Tickets are available at www.infinitytheatrecompany.com/tickets

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