The Thorny Path To Salvation
This classic, fun
musical is based on the stories and characters by Damon Runyon, music and
lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows. This production is directed by Sharon
Maroney, music direction by Jeffery Childs and choreography by Maria
Tucker. It is playing at their summer
location (Deb Fennell Auditorium), 9000 SW Durham Rd., in Tigard, through
August 19th. For more information, go to
their site at www.broadwayrose.org
In this climate of
the MeToo movement, nowadays, this musical might be considered “politically
incorrect.” Civilization in this country
during the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s was still in their infancy, as far as equal and
respectful treatment of women (as well as ethnics). And so, this story reflects those times. Consider it a history lesson of an evolving
culture. That being said, the characters
do reflect, in all its sometimes silliness, women who are equal, if not
superior, to their male counterparts and, in the end, win the day.
The plot is drawn
from real characters Runyon knew in his time on the streets of NYC. Other familiar films of his stories from that
era were Little Miss Marker (Shirley Temple) and The Lemon-Drop Kid (Bob Hope),
all fun but drawn from the underbelly of the big city. In this incarnation, there are the
gamblers/gangsters, their molls and the religious shakings of the Salvation
Army. A test of Good versus Evil,
perhaps, when feet of clay will be molded into firmer footings.
It seems that Sarah
(Dru Rutledge) is out to save the derelicts and street hustlers from the seeds
of evil. But she meets her match in Sky
(Ryan Reilly), a gambling, man of the first order, with no female strings on
him. And there is also Nathan (Joe
Theissen) who runs the largest floating crap game in New York. His main squeeze is Adelaide (Emily Sahler),
the lead dancer of the Hot Box Club, who has been engaged to Nathan for 14
years. Needles to say, much of the plot
revolves around the uniting of these mismatched characters.
Others, pulling them
one way or the other, are the gamblers, Nicely-Nicely (Brandon B. Weaver),
Harry (Richard Cohn-Lee) and Benny (Jesse Cromer), with the mob boss, Big Jule
(Ethan LeFrance), making them “offers they can’t refuse.” (a side note—I played Big Jule at SOC in the
60’s under the direction of
Dr. Angus Bowmer and
the film actor, Sam Elliot, played him at Clark College during the same era).
Others in this
tug-of-war are the army of the righteous side with Sarah, and headed by the
General (Margo Schembre) and Sarah’s mentor, Arvide (Dan Murphy, managing
director of B/R). Who will win in this
battle for souls. Need to see it to find
out, don’t you?!
Some marvelous songs
are here, including the title number, “Sit Down Your Rockin’ The Boat” (led by
the powerful voice of Weaver) and “Luck Be A Lady” (well sung by Reilly and
company). But the scene-stealing numbers
are Adelaide’s Laments (Sahler, who has a belting voice that shakes the
rafters). Rutledge (an operatic voice)
and Sahler have a touching number in “Marry the Man Today,” and Sahler and
Theissen with the humorous, “Sue Me.” And
one of my favorites, the sentimental ballad, “More I Cannot Wish You,” nicely
rendered by Murphy (oddly, the only number cut from the movie).
Maroney has assembled
a top-notch cast and keeps the play moving at a brisk pace. The well-respected Childs delivers the
rousing score well, without over running the singers. Tucker has a great moment with the
Crapshooters’ Ballet. Ryan J. Moller
sparks up the show with colorful, period costumes and The Music And Theatre
Company provide the traditional scenery, which aids the
play greatly.
I recommend this
play. If you do see it, please tell them
Dennis sent you.
--DJS
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