'Bird of Quintain' soars high

Like Amelia Earhart, California Repertory Company charted new territory in its season opener, "Bird of Quintain," a musical interpretation of the inner struggles and external forces that influenced the famous aviator's last flight across the Pacific in 1937.

But unlike Earhart, the company came admirably close to making its mark.

Written by CalRep Artistic Producing Director Howard Burman and theater arts Professor Joanne Gordon - who also directed - "Bird of Quintain" has some truly touching moments and some near-showstopping numbers as well.

Sheri Nichols plays Earhart, whose plane vanished in the Pacific as she attempted to fly around the world in July 1937. Nichols' performance gives the audience a perky, wide-eyed, can-do-anything Earhart. Nichols, who has opened or Bob Newhart, was quite engaging in "Quintain"'s musical numbers.

But this Earhart is trying to fight off her fate, represented by the Bird of Quintain (named after a medieval jousting device). That character is played by Danny Bolero, who recently appeared on Broadway in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Bolero sings and dances around the stage in a tuxedo, cajoling Earhart to "the final dance."

Robert Barker plays G.P. Putnam, Earhart's husband and promoter, a combination sideshow promoter and spin artist. Despite great singing and slick looks, Putnam never emerges as a three-dimensional character.

The most fleshed out character in the play is Mantz, played by Jeff Paul. Perhaps a representation of Fred Noonan, Earhart's navigator who perished with her over the Pacific, Mantz advises Earhart from the ground. Truly concerned with her safety and effort, he is constantly going to bat for her against Putnam.

With an expressive music score by Rob Woyshner, stark but effective scenery (particularly the undulating sky backdrop by Mark Abel and Lisa Hashimoto), "Bird of Quintain" has the wings to soar.