A Broadway classic entertains in Evanston
Come celebrate anything – “It’s Today,” in the production of Mame at Light Opera Works in Evanston, Illinois through August 28. This new window of optimism features Jerry Herman’s brassy, high energy Broadway classic Mame, complete with a fabulous, 26-piece orchestra that will leave you hummin’ and struttin’ as you leave the theatre.
Based on the play Auntie Mame by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, Mame tells the tale of a life-of-the-party “New Yawker” whose life is turned upside down when she takes charge of her young nephew, Patrick in the 1920s. Songs include “Open a New Window,” “If He Walked Into My Life,” “We Need a Little Christmas,” and of course, the greatest production number ever conceived, “Mame.”
The performance is directed by Light Opera Works artistic director Rudy Hogenmiller and conducted by music director Roger L. Bingaman. Nancy Hays as Mame Dennis is a true find. This ball of fire, energy, and charm is perfect as the adventurous aunt who finds life around every corner. This is the role Hays was born to play. Chum Mary Robin Roth as Vera Charles is the right amount of brass and sass. Alicia Berneche as Agnes Gooch steals the show with her comedic antics. Justin Adair as the older Patrick has a beautiful voice and charm to match. Of course, no one can steal the thunder of Zachary Scott Fewkes as the young Patrick Dennis. Mention must be made of Bob Kuhn’s dazzling costumes that manage to reflect the times as well as Mame’s inner and outer spark.
Mame is Light Opera Works’ second production of 2016 at the Cagh Auditorium in Evanston. The season will continue with the concert performance Let Me Entertain You: Jule Styne’s Greatest Hits (October 7 – 16) and Die Fledermaus (December 26 – January 1).
To order tickets, call the Light Opera Works box office at (847) 920-5360 or order at www.LightOperaWorks.com. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this all-American musical…and bring the kids!
