Through Fri 8/12
If you’ve ever had the idea that you’d like to go back 100 years and have a look around, here’s an easy way to accomplish that feat. Take yourself to Wooster Ohio and a production of Jerome Kern’s Have a Heart, on the boards now.
This show opened in New York on January 11, 1917, and you’ll have no trouble imagining that’s where you are once you see the sets and costumes and listen to the music. For whatever reason, this musical has been well hidden from musical audiences once it closed in NY later that spring, although it did have two successful tours through 36 states and five Canadian provinces. It’s about time someone uncovered it. Thank Steven Daigle, artistic director at OLO not only for his detective work, but also for the sprightly pacing of the show. It‘s dazzling.
The first act is in the bright, well-lit lingerie room at Schoonmaker’s Department Store in Blueport, RI, while the second is at the nearby Ocean View Hotel. The owner is 30-ish Ruddy Schoonmaker (Nathan Brian), recently sort-of divorced from his wife Peggy (Sarah Best.) She thinks he had another love, but there was no proof, so maybe not.
One of the possibles for that position is a former employee and now Hollywood film star Dolly Brabazon (Tanya Roberts, channeling Betty Boop). Peggy’s aunt and uncle (Julie Wright Costa and Mark Snyder) visit to offer their support. There are hints of gambling, so of course, there are a detective and an undercover employee, plus a wide variety of salesgirls, floor walkers, waiters and waitresses It may not make a lot of sense, but it doesn’t really need to. Comic relief is provided by Kyle Yampiro as Henry, the elevator operator with a heart of gold.
You probably won’t recognize many of the songs, but that’s because Have a Heart didn’t have time to catch on like Showboat, which followed about 10 years later. The book and lyrics were by the Englishman Guy Bolton, better known for his straight plays, and P. G. Wodehouse, who created the marvelous Jeeves.
The pacing is fast and furious, especially the wonderful dancing throughout, choreographed by Spencer Reese. The marvelous 34-piece orchestra is conducted by J. Lynn Thompson. Set designer is Daniel Hobbs, with lighting by Brittany Shemuga. The colorful period-perfect costumes were designed by Hali Hutchison.
Have a Heart continues in repertory at OLO through Fri 8/12. Performances are: July 15 matinee; July 23, matinee; July 29, evening; August 5, matinee and August 12, evening.
For ticket information, visit OLO’s website or call the box office at 330.263.2345. Click this link to read more about this season’s shows and to hear audio clips of the music.
[Written by Kelly Ferjutz]
Wooster, OH 44691