AISLE SAY Florida
THE HONKY TONK ANGELS
by Ted Swindley
Directed by Robert Ennis Turoff
The Golden Apple Dinner Theatre
25 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota
941-366-5454; 800-652-0920
May 18 to June 19, 2011
Reviewed by Marie J. Kilker
With more plot than the usual juke box musical,
The Honky Tonk Angels manages to bring together three women to tell
real stories with songs reflecting their own lives. Country western
music lovers should glory in the listening. A "Coal Miner's Daughter,"
Darlene (sweet young soprano Heather Kopp) dreams of a respite from the
mining town where she cares for widower dad, and craves a chance to
sing professionally. Small town Sue Ellen (petite dynamo Dianne
Dawson), twice divorced and trying to avoid her boss' advances "From 9
to 5" in an L.A. office, wants a decent career and lifestyle change. A
break from truck driver hubby Bubba and six kids is what Angela (bright
and snappy Kyle Ennis Turoff) needs, with a change from a double-wide
in a camp to a small space in a big city. And now she's got "The Pill"
to help enable her.
Each determines "I'll Fly Away" and goes off to
Nashville on a bus where they meet. The rest shows how they fare as
Angels in a Honky Tonk night club. Luckily, they share "Amazing Grace"
while watched over by their Guardian Angels. Among the classics soloed
are Dianne's "Cleopatra, Queen of Denial" with her campy Egyptian
moves; a hilarious "Barroom Habits" by Kyle in mile-high hair, slick
yellow mini-skirt, and fuschia boots; and Heather done up "Fancy" in
white with head loaded down with blonde curls. David Walker has
provided the women with glam gowns too, brought out by Ben Turoff's
lights. They also create a glowing atmosphere for Michael
Newton-Brown's shimmering stage curtains, as well as a contrast from
his initial settings for the women.
Robert Ennis Turoff's experienced direction resounds
with humor. He makes performers' forays into the audience as smooth as
their interactions onstage, definitely in sync with choreographer Eric
Berkel. Upstage, skillful musical director Don Sturrock at
piano/keyboards and John Januszewski's drums/percussion are sometimes
seen but always heard with appreciation.
Production Stage Manager is Alex Torress for the 2 hr., 10 min. musical.
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