Robert Towers, Cathy Rigby, Eric Martsolf and Brandi Burkhardt are residents of Dogpatch in 'Li'l Abner' at the Freud Playhouse.
A Reprise! Broadway's Best presentation of a musical in two acts with book by Norman Panama and Melvin Frank, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, and music by Gene De Paul. Directed and adapted by Michael Michetti.
Li'l Abner - Eric Martsolf
Daisy Mae - Brandi Burkhardt
Dr. Finsdale - Larry Cedar
Mammy Yokum - Cathy Rigby
General Bullmoose - Fred Willard
Pappy Yokum - Robert Towers
Romeo Scragg/ Scientist - Justin Robertson
Marryin' Sam - Michael Kostroff
Evil Eye Fleagle - Gary Franco
Appassionata Von Climax - Jamie Luner
Earthquake McGoon - John Ganun
Mayor Dan'l D. Dawgmeat/ Scientist/Creighton - Michael Lopez
Senator Jack S. Phogbound - Joel Brooks
Available Jones/Scientist - Amir Talai
Stupefyin' Jones - Tanea Brooks
The years have been kind to "Li'l Abner," the musical based on Al Capp's long-running comic strip. Capp's larger-than-life characters, proudly parading such pungent monikers as Tobacco Rhoda or Moonbeam McSwine, are brought to rowdy life in Norman Panama and Melvin Frank's quick-witted book, as rudely vital as the collected crooks in "Guys and Dolls." Reprise! Broadway's Best production at UCLA's Freud Playhouse could be used as a primer on how to revive a rarely done piece, with Michael Michetti's superb direction, Lee Martino's exuberant choreography and a generally fantastic cast combining to create a deeply enjoyable show.
Down in rural Dogpatch, strapping Li'l Abner (Eric Martsolf) spends his time fishing and avoiding the romantic intentions of the gorgeous Daisy Mae (Brandi Burkhardt). This bucolic setting is disrupted, however, when government scientist Dr. Finsdale (Larry Cedar) informs the town that it has been chosen as the most unnecessary in the U.S., and will be shortly used for atomic bomb tests unless some reason to spare it can be found. Mammy Yokum (Cathy Rigby) shows Finsdale her "yokumberry potion," which has made Abner into the hunk that he is. When Finsdale's boss, General Bullmoose (Fred Willard) realizes the possible fortune to be gained from this potion, he forces Abner to leave Dogpatch, and Daisy Mae, behind.
Martsolf and Burkhardt are well cast as Abner and Daisy Mae, comedically adept and blessed with strong singing voices; their duets on "Namely You" and "Love in a Home" are outstanding.
Rigby makes for a wry and spry Mammy Yokum, and Robert Towers is amusing as the often overruled Pappy Yokum. Michael Kostroff brings a serene charm to Marryin' Sam, and his delivery of the songs "Jubilation T. Cornpone" and "I'm Past My Prime" is jovial and expert.
Cedar is politely loony as Finsdale, and his bravura take on "Oh Happy Day" is a joyful showstopper. Willard is a master of dry wit, and he's delightful here. Finally, Jamie Luner is properly daffy as the operatically named Appassionata Von Climax, and Gary Franco brings deliciously stylish physical comedy as Evil Eye Fleagle.
Michetti keeps the energy high throughout, makes sure that every zinger gets heard, and most of all remembers that this show is meant to be fun. Martino outdoes herself with dynamic dance numbers, particularly the ambitious Sadie Hawkins Day ballet, where the plot moves forward entirely through the graceful choreography. Darryl Archibald's music direction spotlights the skill of a first-rate orchestra, and reminds one of the pleasures of musical overtures.
Bradley Kaye's comicstrip backdrop sets effectively create a nostalgic mood, and Thomas G. Marquez's costumes are impressively detailed, from Daisy Mae's skimpy wedding dress to the bullet hole in the mayor's hat.
Sets, Bradley Kaye; costumes, Thomas G. Marquez; lighting, Tom and Donna Ruzika; sound, Philip G. Allen; music direction, Darryl Archibald; choreography, Lee Martino; production stage manager, Jill Gold. Opened Feb. 5, 2008, reviewed Feb. 6; runs through Feb. 17. Running time: 2 HOURS, 30 MIN.
Ensemble: Seth Belliston, Yusuf Nasar, Christian Boeving, TJ Hoban, Jeff Soskin, Kim Arnett, Louis Becker, Seth Belliston, Zaylin Bescoby, Wilkie Ferguson, Ray Garcia, Lauren Melendez, Kim Mikesell, Yusuf Nasar, Leslie Stevens, John Todd, Debbie Zaltman
Contact the Variety newsroom at
news@variety.com
Date in print: Fri., Feb. 8, 2008