Classic
Musical dazzles audiences
By Jill Thomsen
On-line Forty-Niner
“Me
and My Girl” is quite simply an old-fashioned
musical delight.
 This
Musical Theatre West production is the story
of a 1930’s cockney lad who inherits a fortune
and must prove himself to be “An English
Gentlemen” before he can get his hands on
the money. To complicate matters the new
aunt Duchess in his life feels his fiancée
is unsuitable for his new title as well.
Will Bill Snibson and Sally Smith from Lambeth,
London manage to become the Earl and “Earless”
of Hereford? It’s a treat to sit through
almost three hours of wonderful singing
and dancing to find out.
A strong dancing chorus and beautiful period
costumes make the big numbers sparkle, including
the show stopping first act closer “The
Lambeth Walk.” During the musical’s original
run in London, the tune became a classic
used for everything from King George’s 1937
coronation to a World War II military march.
Wayne Bryan steps into the role of Snibson
with assured ease, managing to juggle tough
physical comedy antics, deep introspection
and some of the corniest dialogue to ever
come out of a play book. One classic exchange:
“What about those two bags over there?”
Bill’s response? “Oh, they live here.”
Which is not to say that the jokes are bad.
In fact, they make the musical what it is
— a charming throwback to the days when
a hearing impaired grandfather figure who
never quite understands anything and says
“eh?” repeatedly is comedy gold.
Bets Malone is superb as the fragile yet
strong-willed Sally. A perfect cockney accent
and a beautiful singing voice help us realize
why William will always love “his girl.”
Smith and Snibson’s tap dancing during the
title number is technically flawless and
perfectly in sync - much like their characters
and acting styles.
Hamming it up splendidly as the Snibson-stealing
Lady Jacqueline Carstone, Tracy Lore has
plenty of fun trying to draw Bill into her
world of croquet and Kipling. Bill’s response?
“I’ve never been kippled.”
The supporting cast is admirable, most notably
Lenny Wolfe as the family solicitor, who
must have simply thrown out all vestiges
of pride before taking on the role. The
result is to the audience’s benefit.
Also including the classic numbers “Take
it on the Chin” and “Leaning on a Lamppost,”
the production is led by the Castellano
brothers, with Roger directing and choreographing,
and Dennis serving as musical director.
“Me and My Girl” runs through Feb. 23 at
the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Performances
are Thurs. through Sun. and prices range
from $20 to $45. Call 562-430-2324 for
tickets or visit www.musical.org.
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