Many people have that one aunt – the one who can be counted on for fun and crazy times. The aunt who will drop everything and throw a party for no reason or who can turn almost any event into a party. Candlelight Theatre’s current production of “Mame,” (music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Robert E. Lee and Jerome Lawrence), directed by Jim Reed, thoroughly explores the relationship between just such an aunt and her orphaned 10-year-old nephew.
“Mame” was based on a novel by Patrick Dennis and the play “Auntie Mame” by Lawrence and Lee. In the opening, Patrick Dennis and his nanny, Agnes, travel to New York to meet his flighty aunt, Mame, whom he will be living with after the death of his father. Agnes and Patrick arrive at Mame’s apartment in the middle of a lavish party, fully of eclectic people. Agnes is hesitant to leave Patrick is such a potentially unstable environment, but is soon won over by Mame’s enthusiasm and charm. Mame’s mission is to live life to the fullest, something she hopes to instill in her young charge. Mame is often thwarted by Patrick’s solicitor, stuffy Dwight Babcock, as well as the stock market crash and subsequent depression of the 1930s. But through it all, she remains optimistic and unsinkable, caring for Patrick and even falling in love herself.
“Mame” has a large cast with many notable performances. Rosemary Benson was terrific as the title character, full of spunk and energy, although her interactions with young Patrick, played by Scott Angelides, often felt more awkward than endearing. Margaret Hill played diva Vera Charles, Mame’s best friend, perfectly. Max Redman was terrific as grown up Patrick. Redman did a nice job balancing his love for Mame with his growing embarrassment for her bohemian lifestyle. At some point, every child is disconcerted by their parent’s behavior. Redman captured the struggle well.
The show had a number of light, funny moments, propelled by performances by the fabulous Lindsay Mauck (Agnes), Ricky Rotandi (Ito), Renee Grant (Mrs. Upson) and Tony Oriente (Mr. Upson). Mauck was delightfully uncomfortable as prim spinster Agnes. Her transformation in Act 2 was stunning and the follow up was hilarious. Grant and Oriente pulled off snotty, well-off elitists well. They were amusingly clueless. Grant was very expressive and her interactions with Mauck at Mame’s apartment were quite funny.
Trudy Graboyes was comical as Mother Burnside. Jim Rubright was the perfect Southern gentleman, polite and charming, as Beauregard Burnside. Barry Gomolka was obnoxious yet entertaining while his character, Babcock, tried to navigate Mame’s eccentric world. Gomolka’s reaction when Angelides expertly mixes a martini was priceless. Patrick’s love interests, Gloria and Pegeen, were well played by Maura McColgan and Jamie Millison.
Reed and Tina Productions, Inc., provided glitzy costumes. I especially liked the dresses for the Southern bells and the red tails the men wore during the same scene. Jody Anderson’s choreography was particularly well done during “Mame” (intricate footwork) and “That’s How Young I Feel.” Lisa Miller Challenger’s wig design was great. Jeff Reim provided a flexible set. He nicely used Mame’s apartment to help explain her changing financial situations – from lavish to shabby and back to plush.
The music was wonderful and included memorable songs such as “Open A New Window,” “My Best Girl,” “We Need A Little Christmas” and “Bosom Buddies.”
Act one moved a little slow. Occasionally the actors appeared uncomfortable with the dialog. The pace picked up in Act two, however.
Before the show, patrons can enjoy Candlelight’s buffet. For “Mame,” the buffet has a holiday theme with carved turkey, stuffing and sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping. There is also ham in a Dijon sauce, beef tenderloin, salmon in a shrimp bisque, green beans and carrots, and stuffed shells. The buffet has a salad and dessert bar as well. A cash bar is available.
“Mame” runs at The Candlelight Theatre, 2208 Millers Road, Wilmington, Del., through Dec. 20. Doors open at 6 p.m. for Friday and Saturday shows. Buffet is from 6-7:30 p.m., followed by the show at 8. Doors for Sunday performances open at 1 p.m. Buffet is until 2:30 p.m., followed by the show at 3. There is one Thursday evening performance on Dec.
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