Taking Off! - review

[Jane Zussman]

Only two more chances to be a part of MSU’s New Musical Laboratory’s 10th anniversary musical, Taking Off! It’s a collaboration between MSU Theatre and Wharton’s Institute for Arts and Creativity — a partnership to workshop and develop new musicals on their way to Broadway and beyond. Director Adam Yankowy explained how the show was developed over a mere three-week period, even with the added challenge of their “visiting professional” actor being called away and replaced by the very talented, also professional, Mark Williams — with only three days’ notice! 

Changes and additions were made along the way, so Mark and others sometimes had scripts in hand — but that did not slow down the madcap, slapstick energy that propelled this new musical about an old time. It was the mid 60’s — when stewardesses were oppressed by outdated, sexist rules.

Anastasia Breen was outstanding as Amelia Darehart, the airplane mechanic recruited last-minute to try her dream job as a stewardess — and the proverbial hijinks ensued. Spilled drinks, a diamond heist attempt, a bathroom “occupation”— a highlight featuring seductive jaded housewife Trudy (Shelby Parker) and enthused but inept heist sidekick Alphonse (Karam Mawazini). 

The show reminded me a bit of the recently-seen Legally Blonde (ending this weekend at Riverwalk) for its theme of women learning to break out from under the patriarchy to make their own rules and build their own futures. It is similarly long (2 1/2 hours which includes intermission) and is a little “naughty” but okay for older kids. 

The set is mostly just chairs — but they see a lot of action. Though characters are always on the plane, imaginative blocking keeps those chairs moving and provides varied views for the audience. (The “dream sequence” is fun.) The band is small but lively with Music Director Dave Wendelberger at the keyboard, assisted by Elyse Gray on bass and Michael Giunta on drums.

Plan to come early and enjoy the lobby display created by design students, covering the era with stewardess recruiting posters/rules and costume and set designs. (Early arrival also allows time to cope with the parking ramp traffic from the Neil Diamond show at Wharton’s Great Hall.) Taking Off! is on the Pasant stage, with general seating. 

Taking Off! takes flight only TWO more times: 7:30 Saturday and 2pm Sunday, September 20-21. 

https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/taking-off

Jane Zussman

G.L.U.T. List

(Greater Lansing Ubiquitous Theatre)

cell 517-930-0932

JSZu...@gmail.com

http://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net 

To review past emails as they were sent, click “About the G.L.U.T.” and choose “email list” from the drop-down menu — also check out the all-theatres calendar.

“Like” us on Facebook!