The perfect holiday show is now playing at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest. DAMES AT SEA is a high-energy, tuneful, and affectionate spoof of the lavish musicals directed by Busby Berkeley in the 1930’s such as 42ND STREET and the “Golddiggers” series. The show runs now through December 15.
DAMES AT SEA follows several show biz gals rehearsing a Broadway musical in the early 1930s. When they learn that their theater is to be torn down, they move their production to a ship. Along the way are love triangles, jealousies, and theatrical rivalries. Will it all work out in the end?
Make no mistake, this show is about dancing. Not just heavy tap-dancing, but ballet, jazz, even military.
Melody Rowland, who recently starred in Citadel’s THE COTTAGE, plays Ruby, the aspiring Broadway dancer just off the bus from Utah. She gets a lucky break that turns her into a Broadway star. She is luminous with a bright smile and tap-dancing prowess that shakes the roof. Beck Hokanson is Dick, the sailor and aspiring songwriter she falls in love with.
The musical’s leading lady, Mona is played by Ciara Jarvis, who is excellent with beautiful vocals and tap-dancing skills to boot. Mona gets a lot of time on stage, so the audience gets to see the extent of her amazing talent. Elizabeth Bushell of Citadel’s THE COTTAGE, steals the show as the wisecracking chorus girl, Joan. Her physical comedy, plus her great hoofing ability, makes her a joy to watch. Joe Bushell has a distinctive gravelly voice in the role of Hennesy, the musical’s producer/manager/director.
Prepare to be wowed by the show’s gorgeous, sparkling costumes, created by Danielle Reinhard. From sailing outfits to 1930s fashion styles, each one was more beautiful than the next. Kudos to set designer Bob Knuth for his clever transformation of the set from stage to sea. The show is directed and choreographed with precision by Gregg Dennhardt. Scott and Ellen Phelps, founders of the Citadel Theatre, serve as production managers, with Kyra Leigh providing musical direction.
Bernadette Peters played the role of Ruby when it debuted in 1966 and it made her a star. She later toured the role at the Academy Playhouse in Lake Forest.
Next up in the season for Citadel Theatre is the production is “I and You” from February 21 to March 23, 2025.
Citadel Theatre is in residence in the West Campus of the Lake Forest School District at 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. For information and ticketing, go to www.citadeltheatre.org. Or call 847-735-8554, ext. 1.
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