Review: ‘Makin’ Hay’ at Actors Co-op
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Although a Moliere farce doesn’t leap to mind as a likely source of inspiration for a country and western musical, composer-lyricist Matthew Goldsby makes hay with the concept in his charming new piece, ‘Makin’ Hay,’ at Actors Co-op.
Drawing his story line from Moliere’s ‘George Dandin,’ Goldsby has crafted an intimate, unpretentious show that harks back to the uncomplicated Broadway era of the 1950s.
Whereas Moliere, in typical fashion, used the story of a farmer who marries an aristocrat as a vehicle for sharp-edged social satire, Goldsby’s musical takes a less acidic tone in transposing the characters to 1957 Texas. Salt-of-the-earth rancher George (David Atkinson) is having trouble keeping the attention of his wife, Anna Lee (Rory Patterson), a sophisticated city gal who’s bored to tears with life on the range. When a smooth-talking lothario (Steven Hogle) catches her eye, suspicious George tries to catch her in an act of betrayal, but she manages to outwit him at every turn.
Drawls and twangs aplenty liven up the show’s assortment of light, catchy numbers, which advance the story in well-crafted book musical fashion, with live accompaniment on piano and guitars.
Brisk staging by Linda Kerns keeps things light and flowing, benefiting from particularly fine comic performances from Wendy Shapero and Liz Randall as a pair of country girls who pine for a pair of lunkhead ranch hands (Matt Lowe, Daniel J. Roberts). Singing voices are generally not the strong suit here, the standout exceptions being Patterson and Gina D’Acciaro, an old school belter who brings real spice to the sarcastic Mexican maid.
For a first outing, ‘Makin’ Hay’ is in commendably complete shape, though it calls out for at least one production number. Only in forgoing a tidy emotional wrap-up does the show yield its breezy mood to more contemporary sensibilities -- otherwise, it’s an affectionate throwback to simpler times.
-- Philip Brandes
‘Makin’ Hay,’ Crossley Terrace Theatre, 1760 N. Gower St., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Ends April 5. $34. (323) 462-8460, Ext. 300. Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes.
Caption: Liz Randall, left, and Wendy Shapero in ‘Makin’ Hay.’ Credit: Lindsay Schnebly