Theater Works' The Taffetas: A Musica Journey Through the Fabulous Fifties
(out of 
)Mark S.P. Turvin
(home office) (602) 912-0117
I can be reached for comment via e-mail at: mspt@goldfishpublishers.com
Reviewed 6/19/99
(out of )Sometimes shows come along with deep meanings, overwhelming ideas, and urgent messages. Sometimes, a show acknowledges from beginning to end that it is nothing more than escapism. The Taffetas, which Director Robyn Ferracane has mounted for Theater Works summer season, is definitely in the latter category. It is one of those "medium musicals," like 1940's Radio Hour or Crooners, that uses a representative entertainment form of the day, in this case, television, and establishes a template to weave its revue material through. While Ms. Ferracane and her talented cast are occasionally sloppy in their execution, this never really hinders the cute material and concept that brings the audiences in for a walk down a musical memory lane.
The Taffetas are a typical '50s girl-group; four sisters from idyllic middle America who are enjoying their fifteen minutes of fame in the fan mags and second level tours. On this evening, they are performing on the NYC-based TV show, Spotlight on Music, singing for the studio audience and home viewers all of the hits that made '50s music so damned precious. Each of the four sisters has a separate personality, ones that instantly disappear into a uniform front once they affix their Taffetas personae. With such songs as "Sh-Boom," "Ricochet Romance," "Volare," and "Johnny Angel" in the mix of 47 full or pastiched offerings, little can make this evening anything but cute and enjoyable.
Despite little niggling inconsistencies, such as the lack of believability of the four performers being sisters, let alone giggling teenagers, and their occasionally non-uniform dancing, the talent of their singing and acting far outweighs these slight problems.
To a woman, each of the performers are great singers with well-balanced strengths that aid in presenting the repertoire. Jacque M. Collins does a wonderful job portraying the gregarious Kaye, and her belter voice propels her rendition of "Who's Sorry Now." The talented Megan Walker, finally finding a vehicle that gives her a chance to shine after her wonderful performance in the flawed Theater Works' production of Gypsy, is too cute for words as Peggy, and her sweet voice is highlighted in the Frenchified number, "C'st si bon." Besides having a very good alto voice, Darcy Rould has done a wonderful job of choreographing the proceedings, and her meticulous dance steps, while occasionally not uniformly performed by the other ladies of the quartet, are highlighted, along with her voice, in the several medleys that populate this revue. Finally, though unaccountably stiff in movement and attitude, Julia Thomson sings past her slight awkwardness as platinum blonde Cheryl, giving a star turn in her rendition of "This Is Dedicated to the One I Love."
Ms. Ferracane has done an excellent job of capturing this period, and her work with the onstage, three piece orchestra as Musical Director is also very impressive.
Despite a few problems, such as follow spot inconsistencies, and loud revolves, the technical element is generally solid. Gregory Jaye's set is a fanciful view of a 50's television studio, with little basis in fact, but still good for allowing varying stage pictures and tableaus. Malinda Brommel's lighting also works well, despite some execution problems. While not overwhelming, Rebecca Avery's costumes fit in period, even as a couple of Donna Rogers' and Tony DiCola's props do not. The strongest element of the evening technically is Chris Wo's sound design, which integrates non-period microphones, but the tradeoff of looks for audibility is a worthy one.
For those who lived in the fabulous '50s, this is bound to be an enjoyable romp through the mainstream music of the times. For those who missed the age of conformity, most will find the infectious rhythms and cute melodies bring smiles to their faces and tapping to their toes. And what could be better as the thermometer rises in the Valley of the Sun?
Production Details:
The Taffetas: A Musical Journey Through the Fabulous Fifties
Conceived by Rick Lewis, Musical and Vocal Arrangements
by Rick Lewis, and Additional Material by Arthur Whitelaw
Theater Works, Peoria
(623) 815-7930
June 11 - July 4, 1999