As plots go this one is ridiculously simple with a series of complications that are mind-blowing. Opening night in Boston at the Colonial Theatre the leading lady is murdered during the curtain call. A stage-struck detective handles the case and along the way falls in love and saves the show. It's just like a Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland movie and it works just like they all did. The songs by John Kander are delicious musically and the lyrics are among the most satirical and sexy as any Fred Ebb ever wrote. They include major takes on the roles of theater critics, the nature of show business folk, the ways in which songs get written and what the business in show business actually means. There are also lush ballads, silly production numbers and absolutely nutty chorus songs. 

This is the first time the show has been performed at the MacHaydn Theatre in Chatham, New York and they have done a splendid job putting it on their theater-in-the-round stage. Staged by Courtney Laine Self, making her debut here, the show has a complicated look with wonderful dances and an impossible to ignore book as relationships come and go and romance fills the bloody, dusty air.

Monica Wemitt; photo: Amanda Calvin

The show has three major stories to tell. One is the very important romance between the composer and lyricist played here by Steve Hassmer and Leigh Martha Klinger. Hassmer is just perfect for his composer role, moving us with his ballad "I Miss the Music." Klinger is a delight as the lyricist who also become the leading lady of the play within the play. Both sing beautifully and act their roles to perfection.

Monica Wemitt is the lady producer (set in 1959 this could have been real, but Carmen Bernstein is a unique character).Wemitt is singing so lyrically and beautifully in this show that she is a perfect example of a musical comedy star, like the one she'd like to have in her show. Carmen's push for a hit is the second story that concerns us.

The third story is the romance between Lt. Cioffi (played by Colin Pritchard) and the show's ingenue Niki Harris (enlivened by RachelPantarus). This romance is never straighforward as Niki becomes a suspect in the three murders that happen during the show.  Pritchard is an excellent Cioffi, stiff, but melting in this atmosphere he adores. One of his best roles, I think, and certainly an audience-pleaser.

Pantarus is lovely, tall, graceful with a marvelous voice. Even her "innocence" strikes a fine chord with the audience. She is a new discovery for me and a welcome one in every way.

Colin Pritchard; photo: Amanda Calvin

The show requires a large cast and so there are many characters to note in this production. Chorus girl Bambi is played remarkably by Chelsea Lynne Myers. Dakota Ditcher is just fine as stage manager Johnny. Movie star Jessica Cranshaw is delivered to the stage with humor and finesse by Erin Spears Ledford. Music Director Bruce DeLaCruz plays the show's conductor Sasha Iljinsky and Bobby Pepper, leading man, is played with humor and panache by Jonah Hale. Good work is brought to the stage by George Phelps, Nick Miller and Todd Fenstermaker. In fact every performer in every role in this show was just about as good and as right as could be. 

Colin Pritchard, Gabe Belyeu; photo: Amanda Calvin

Once again at this theater Gabe Belyeu's character, Christopher Belling, is a standout. As he quasi-British stage director Belyeu pulls out all the stops and delivers a unique performance which will not be easily forgotten. From his bouffant hair to his high booted walk the actor commands the stage with satire, parody, light humor and serious work as the man in control who cannot control anything. Everytime he speaks the show rests on him as the central figure, but as soon as he finishes his line the center of attention reverts to whatever character Belyeu is playing opposite.

Production values are high in this offering. Jimm Halliday's costumes are delightful, defining each character through clothing. Erin Kiernan's scenic design captures the backstage atmosphere ideally. Andrew Gmoser's lighting, as usual, defined each moment to its extreme. Matthew Oliver's hair and make-up design work is just splendid.

It would seem that every element of this show was held together by the clear-eyed and very talented Ms. Self. If I had the time to do it, I'd see this all over again, from the very beginning to the inevitable end. I liked it that much.