Meet Me in St. Louis

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Meet Me in St. Louis

Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center

Reviewed by Les Spindle

November 06, 2009

There was palpable excitement in the air as audience members took their seats on opening night of Musical Theatre West's revisit to this 1989 stage adaptation of the beloved Judy Garland film classic. When the curtain rose on a ravishing picture-postcard view of 1903 St. Louis, a warm round of spontaneous applause erupted. Director Richard Israel's unashamedly nostalgic staging of this frothy confection satisfies on all counts, combining the glorious spirit of vintage MGM screen musicals with the cherished conventions of old-fashioned stage tuners.

The narrative in Hugh Wheeler's book remains wafer-thin, revolving around coy teenage romance, the pranks of mischievous children, and the unpopular announcement by the family patriarch that he is relocating the brood to New York, prior to the arrival of the World's Fair. Yet there's something magical about this warmhearted portrait of early-1900s family life and the way the blissful Hugh Martin–Ralph Blane songs weave into the proceedings. The tunesmiths composed only three original songs for the film—"The Boy Next Door," "The Trolley Song," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"— augmented by authentic songs from the story's period, such as the lilting title number. They were enlisted to bolster the score for the stage version, adding several charming songs. Much more dance is also evident, beautifully handled here by choreographer Lee Martino and a sublime ensemble, joyfully performing a terrific array of struts, cakewalks, square dances, and even an Irish jig.

Taking the iconic Garland role of love-struck daughter Esther is Cassie Silva, who skillfully croons the familiar ballads and delivers a captivating characterization. Jason Evans is delightful as John Truitt, the boy next door who wins Esther's heart. Norman Large, playing the stern but loving father, is a nimble song-and-dance man, and Cathy Newman is a ball of fire as the feisty Irish maid. As the two youngest daughters, Grace Kaufman and Alexa Freeman are irresistible pixies. Adeptly rounding out the principal roles are Mary Gordon Murray as the matriarch, Robert Pieranunzi as brother Lon, Sarah Bermudez as elder sister Rose, Jeremy Bernard as Rose's wealthy beau, and Kevin Cooney as the highly energetic grandpa.

This is a classy and vibrant endeavor through and through, with salutes due for Daniel Thomas' music direction, the gorgeous uncredited set and costume designs, and Jean-Yves Tessier's marvelous lighting.

Presented by Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 Atherton St., Long Beach. Oct. 31–Nov. 15. Thu.–Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 and 7 p.m. (Sun., 2 p.m. only, Nov. 15.) (562) 856-1999, ext. 4. www.musical.org.