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"Mack & Mabel" at the Broward Stage Door
• Top Talent Tiny Theatre
Wednesday,
August 25, 2010
Bernadette Peters and Robert Preston starred in the 1974 Tony nominated “Mack & Mabel"at the Majestic Theater in New York. Mack & Mabel is a story about lengendary silent film director, Mack Sennet, and his tumultuous love affair with silent film actress Mabel Normand.
The highly acclaimed “Mack & Mabel” is running at the Broward Stage Door in Margate from August 20 to September 26.
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While it only played 66 performances on Broadway, many consider “Mack & Mabel” one of lyricist and composer Jerry Herman's best scores. (Herman is the musical genius behind Mame and Hello Dolly, two other diva-centered musicals).
The Stage Door production is magnificent in its portrayal of silent film characters Fatty Arbuckle and Lottie, whose musical numbers range from touching to absolutely hilarious.
While you wait for the show to begin, Mabel's silent movies play on a screen over the stage, which sets the tone for the show. Sennett is a silent film icon and churned out some of the most popular silent films of the era, including many with Charlie Chaplin in 1914.
Sennet invented the "Keystone Cops." Now you know who he is?
"Look What Happened to Mabel" may be lyrically challenged in comparison to other Herman classics, but it has the sheer audacity to mention "bagels and knishes." Toward the end of the first act, the colorful bathing beauties come to life in "Hundreds of Girls." You can't help but flash back to the classic black and white movies as the lines of leggy women dive into the pool like a row of dominoes. It's fun regardless of whether you watched those movies when they ruled the box office or on the classic movie stations. This a glimpse of Americana that will appeal to a few generations.
With the growing popularity of dance competitions, the second act's "Tap Your Troubles Away" will strike a chord with the audience. Though the sequence is a bit too long, the cartoonish persona of Lottie and the group of high-heeled tappers in front of the garish background is presented as a powerful juxtaposition to Mabel's situation.
Actor Shane Tanner, who portrays Mack, is both understated and over the top in his portrayal. Mara Gabrielle (Mabel), is endearing and has an emotional voice that fills the room. Ken Clement (Fatty Arbuckle) provides the perfect comic relief - you just want to hug Clement's Santa-like tummy.
Kelly Cusimano (Lottie) needed more stage time. Her character and mannerisms were absolutely reminiscent of Lucille Ball's slapstick with moment after moment to cherish. Jeffrey Funaro, who starred in last month's production of "The Drowsy Chaperone," was also underutilized in this production, I thought.
The Broward Stage Door is regional theater with fun musical acts and the talent of a very likeable cast. These are actors doing what they love - and loving what they do - in an intimate venue. You will laugh and cry.
Ticket prices are reasonable at $38-42 each and group discounts are available. The Broward Stage is right down the street in the City of Margate. The show is entertaining for all ages.
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Mack & Mabel
August 20, 2010 to Sept. 26, 2010
Margate Theatre 1
The musical story of the tumultuous relationship between Hollywood director Mack Sennett, and his biggest star, Mabel Normand (a waitress from Flatbush Ave). With a blockbuster score by Jerry Herman, “Mack and Mabel” was nominated for 8 Tony Awards, including best Musical. Features the songs “I Won’t Send Roses” and “Look What Happened to Mabel”.
SCHEDULE:
Wednesday: 2:00pm
Thursday: 2:00pm & 8:00pm
Friday: 8:00pm
Saturday: 2:00pm
Saturday: 8:00pm
Sunday: 2:00pm
Sunday: 7:00pm
Broward Stage Door
Phone: 954-344-7765
8036 W Sample Rd
Margate, FL 33065-4714
http://www.stagedoortheatre.com/
Box Office Hours:
Tickets may be purchased at the theatre, online or on the phone.
Stage Door Margate:
Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday - Sunday: 10:00am - 9:00pm
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