VIRGINIA BARE / Stafford County Sun
Published: March 5, 2008

This final production of Riverside's 10th season has audiences laughing with New York newcomers, business people, singers and dancers, a few good-hearted Chinese men and some unique characters whose identities are hidden until the closing minutes.

Millie (Erin Miele) steps onto the streets of New York determined that she will be happy and successful, so she discards her return ticket to Kansas. While she marvels at the sights and sings "Not For the Life of Me Will I Go Back," trouble runs into her without warning.

Minus her hat, purse and one shoe, she halts (not gently) a passing businessman. She calls herself a "pioneer" as she seeks help from Jimmy Smith (Michael S. Taylor) who becomes more involved as the plot advances. These two play off of each other perfectly.

Hotel Priscilla is the place for single girls who have no family or money or protection.

Millie's boldness makes her seem too headstrong to be a roomer, but the mighty and mysterious Mrs. Meers (Deborah Stromberg) lets her in.

There's a vacancy since one of the girls suddenly left.

Other girls staying at Hotel Priscilla form a support group but Millie goes out on her own to look for a rich boss she can marry.

The boss she finds, Mr. Trevor Graydon (Stephen R. Hayes, director of the production) is quite a character.

He gives Millie a hard time as she types furiously to keep up with his speedy dictation.

Graydon's height and his powerful voice and manner would overwhelm anyone less stoic and determined.

Millie passes his speed test and amazes him. The boss already has a typing pool that can outperform any other. The typewriter team performs with the precision and grace of all the dances in the play.

Tia Marie Zorne from Broadway is the choreographer who deserves the credit for the fine dancing.

The production staff did an outstanding job of putting together a well-known, much-loved performance.

Many actors are outstanding and unique.

Once again, producer and musical director Rollin E. Wehman brought brilliant singing talent to the stage.

The audience showed its enjoyment and appreciation.

Rochelle Grey of Falmouth in Stafford County attended the show with the Red Hats Society - an organization of women.

She said, "Riverside always has lovely sets. I knew they would have young actors. I like the youth and vigor. The choreography is wonderful. I noticed all the sets and the costuming - the singing - everything is very well done. The director does a real good job."

A patron of the arts, Grey added, "The bus loads of people are pouring in today from Newport News, Virginia Beach and Loudoun County.

This dinner theater is on the list of places to go in Virginia."

The final say is - don't miss this production. The 11th season will bring "Grease", "42nd Street", "Peter Pan" and "Nunsense II."

Come enjoy musical theater at its best. Call Riverside Center Dinner Theater at (540) 370-4300.

Tags relating to this article:

• No tags are associated with this article.

Can't find what you're looking for? Try our quick search: