Published September 28, 2018 in MorganHillLife.com

The Broadway hit “Mame” began as Auntie Mame in a novel by Patrick Dennis and was adapted by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E, Lee starring Roseland Russell. In 1958 a successful film version with Rosalind Russell as flamboyant Mame Dennis, the aunt to young Patrick who comes to live with her as his only living relative after his parents are killed in a car accident.

Mame’s idea that “Life is a banquet and some poor suckers are starving to death” is carried through into Patrick’s upbringing with Mame’s friends and followers. Angela Lansbury won awards for her successful musical  Broadway version in 1966,  Lucille Ball starred in a  less successful movie  musical  version in 1974

South Bay Musical Theater brings a solid version of Mame to the Saratoga Theater stage with Mary Melnick  as the incomparable Mame –  who brings life to the lyrics and music by Jerry Herman. Her delivery of “If He Walked into My Life Today” was  deeply touching.  Karen DeHart as Mame’s best buddy Vera adds to the fun with Kama Belloni as Miss Gooch who’s unexpected gentle, subtle  approach to “Gooch’s Song”  is a show stopper. Jake Miller as Patrick  Dennis at ten works well with Melnick and Kevin Brownstein’s Patrick at 19-29 great voice  is an attention getter.

The journey is hilarious  and at times poignant.  The music and lyrics are solid and standard. It is hard to get  “Open A  New Window,” the poignant “Mame” and the feisty holiday tune “We need a Little Christmas ” out of your head.

The orchestra conducted by Catherine Snider moves the 20-piece orchestra with a dynamic baton. Interesting choreography by Kayvon Kordestani and Sylvia Chow’s costumes add glitter with  Mame’s upscale 20 Beekman Place apartment that  is brought to life by set designer Andrew Breithaupt. Fine sound and lighting by Chris Beer and Michael Glenn Munoz brings the production together with a professional touch.

Mame is just plain fun with a marvelous score and story. During these times of discord in the news, treat yourself an evening at the theater where you’ll be uplifted by the never-say-quit courage of “Mame.”

 

DETAILS:

Show: “Mame”

Produced by: The South Bay Musical Theatre

Where: Saratoga Civic Theatre, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.-Saratoga

Time: Two hours and 20 minutes with one intermission

For tickets and information call 408/266-4734 or visit [email protected]

Show Dates & Times

• Saturday September 22, 2018 at 8:00pm
• Sunday September 23, 2018 at 2:30pm
• Friday September 28, 2018 at 8:00pm
• Saturday September 29, 2018 at 8:00pm
• Sunday September 30, 2018 at 2:30pm
• Friday October 5, 2018 at 8:00pm
• Saturday October 6, 2018 at 8:00pm
• Sunday October 7, 2018 at 2:30pm
• Thursday October 11, 2018 at 8:00pm
• Friday October 12, 2018 at 8:00pm
• Saturday October 13, 2018 at 2:30pm