R E V I E W E D B Y
WILLIAM STEVENSON
Anyone who feels the slightest nostalgia for the early days of radio will have a great time at "Radio Gals." The creators of "Oil City Symphony" have done it again with this often hilarious, always delightful, musical.
Sadly, "Radio Gals" is also the third terrific musical of the year (following "Rent" and "Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly") to open after one of its authors died. In this case, Mark Hardwick, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics with Mike Craver, died of AIDS.
Considering that Hardwick was sick while they collaborated, it's amazing how exuberant "Radio Gals" is. It takes place in the late '20s in the Cedar Ridge, Ark., home of Hazel C. Hunt (Carole Cook), who runs a radio show with help from her "Hazelnuts." They include a pair of spinster sisters, Mabel and Azilee Swindle (M. Rice and Craver, respectively, in perfect dowdy drag), America (Emily Mikesell), Renabelle (Klea Blackhurst), and the soothsayer Gladys Fritts (Rosemary Loar). Into their midst comes O.B. Abbott (Matthew Bennett), an inspector for the commerce department.
He is investigating charges of "wave jumping" (illegal frequency changing). But Abbott also plays the accordion, so Hazel recruits him for her program. That's about all the plot "Radio Gals" has, but it doesn't matter since the old-fashioned tunes and the performances are so enjoyable.
Cook is a real pro, whether speaking to her listeners--her "dearhearts"--or belting a song. With her wide eyes, shock of red hair, and down-home accent, Hazel is a memorable character and Cook deserves an Obie. The whole cast gets a chance to shine, singing and playing multiple musical instruments.
Among the highlights are Loar's melodramatic opera singing and theremin playing, Renabelle's resonant rendition of "Dear Mr. Gershwin," Cook's soaring "Paging the Ether," Rice's soft shoe in "Buster, He's a Hot Dog Now," and the company's ebullient Egyptian finale.
Contributing to the charm of "Radio Gals" are Narelle Sissons' homey set, Michael Krass' vintage costumes, and Marcia Milgrom Dodge's tight direction and choreography. Craver and Hardwick's radio show is a triumph. Too bad Hardwick isn't here to relish what should be a long run.
Presented by Elliot Martin and Ron Shapiro in association with Lee Mimms & Amick Byram at the John Houseman Theater, 450 W. 42nd St, NYC. Opened Oct. 1 for an