Pure entertainment from the beginning to end; “Dames at Sea” combines excellently choreographed and performed tap dancing with at times hints of ballet, beautiful singing, all accented with humor. Even if you think you are not a fan of tap dancing, you will not be able to resist joining numerous spontaneous applauds. The story is based on the World War two era. How things have changed will bring a smile to your face.
Citadel Theater is a nice, small, comfortable and pleasant theater at the Lake Forest Administration building. It is amazing how it consistently presents well-performed plays with very talented actors. “Dames at Sea” is not an exception. All the actors are very talented and cast well.
Clara Javis plays Mona, the temperamental star whose voice and dance supports her starring role. She also is the source of much humor. Melody Dowland is the starlet, Ruby, who just arrived in New York and proves worthy of her lucky break. This role was originally played by the icon Bernadette Petters when “Dames at Sea” premiered on Broadway in 1966. Elizabeth Bushell is Joan who seems to add a touch of ballet to her tap dancing. They are back by a talented chorus line of Maya Taletta, Catherine Athenson, Kate Drury and Eilish Morse-Orourke.
The men are no less talented. Deter Kattner fits the role of his name’s sake, “Lucky” along with Joe Bushell bring romance to the performance. Deck Hokanson plays the broke and desperate producer, Dick. In the second act, Steve McDonagh is the captain of the battleship. His expressions can make you laugh without a word spoken but he knows how to deliver a line too. He also holds his own with his other talents.
“Dames at Sea” is directed by Gregg Dennhardt with book and lyrics by George Haimsohn and Robin Miller. Performances run only through December 15th. So, I recommend you purchase your tickets while you can (CitadelTheater.org). You don’t want to miss it! Also check out upcoming performances in their website.