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Saturday, April 1, 2000
'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' leaves 'em smiling
Harbor Playhouse production provides a night of good old fashioned Broadway fun
By Jason Marton
Special to the Caller-Times
If you're looking for a bubbly night of musical theater, light on pathos and heavy on smiles, then make a point to catch "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" at the Harbor Playhouse.
The show guarantees to leave you in a brighter mood than the one you came in with.
Every production of "Molly Brown" comes to the stage with two things in its favor: catchy, toe-tapping tunes from Meredith Willson, who also penned "The Music Man" and its story, a classic underdog tale of a kind-hearted, outspoken young woman looking to fit in with high society.
What each theater production does with these elements is always the question. In the case of the Harbor Playhouse production, the news is good.
Any first-night jitters were hidden well by the large cast. All seemed well-rehearsed and comfortable. It takes a strong presence to bring off a character like Molly Brown, and Debra Miget is more than up to the challenge. She and co-star/on-stage husband Richard D. Nielsen II never lose their vigor and enthusiasm. They carry off their solo moments beautifully. In the supporting roles, Christopher P. Koecher, as Christmas Morgan, turned in a spirited performance, and Patrick Bowen's sweet-natured turn as the Monsignor was notable as well.
Hats off to Lynn Wilkerson for some really fine choreography, such as the "Belly Up to the Bar, Boys" number in the Saddle Rock Saloon. The music flowed smoothly, as did the scene changes - some quite complex. There was obviously a lot of work done on the sets, and the costumes were just right.
"The Unsinkable Molly Brown" is good old-fashioned Broadway fun, the kind that doesn't make its way to the Coastal Bend often enough. The Harbor Playhouse has done some really fine work here.
"The Unsinkable Molly Brown" will be performed at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays through April 15, at the playhouse, No. 1 Bayfront Park. Tickets: $15. Ticket information: 888-7469.
Contributing writer Jason Marton can be reached at 886-3627.
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