Adapted for stage and new material by Kim Flagg & Rick Sparks
(Original episodes "The Benefit" and "Lucy Has Her Examined" written by Madelyn Pugh and Bob Carroll Jr.)
Greenway Court Theatre
(544 N. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles 90036)
Date of reviewed performance: October 1, 2011
Cast
Fred Mertz - Bill Chott
Lucy Ricardo - Sirena Irwin
Ethel Mertz - Lisa Joffrey
Ricky Ricardo - Bill Mendieta
Ensemble, King Katt Walsh - Tom Christensen
Ensemble, William Parker - Gregory Franklin
Ensemble, Makeup Girl - Kerri-Anne Lavin
Ensemble, Eye Doctor - Ed Martin
Ensemble, Dorothy Day Spokesperson, Speedy - Denise Moses
Ensemble, Prize Girl - Cynthia Sciacca
Ensemble, Dinah Beach - Gina Torrecilla
Host, Ensemble - Mark Christopher Tracy
Audience Member - Amy Tolsky
Band
Piano and Musical Director - Wayne Moore
Keyboard - Andy Belling
Trumpet - Jonathan Bradley
Guitar - Ivor Francis
Bass and Conga - Ken Francis
Drums and Conga - Adam Halitzka
Saxophone - David Olivas
“I Love Lucy” is once again live and in color. The new musical stage show mimics the “live studio audience” experience of a taping of the beloved ‘50’s series, creating a fun and entertaining tribute.
The show begins as the impressive Mark Christopher Tracy appears onstage in his role as “host” or, as he would be known in today’s lexicon “the warm-up guy.” Mr. Tracy’s warm voice and engaging personality is what sells this trip back in time. He exudes such enthusiastic professionalism the audience is ready to believe anything he tells them. As cameras roll about and ready themselves around him, our cheery host explains that on this day the “I Love Lucy” show will be taping two back-to-back episodes. After pointing out the applause signs and introducing us to our stars, the lights in the audience dim. On stage we see a very familiar living room: a kitchen off to the right, a fireplace to the far left and the entrance straight upstage. Yes, you know the one. And before you know it, we are in the midst of a classic “I Love Lucy” episode called ‘The Benefit.’
Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel deliver familiar lines (if you’re a fan of the show) and ham it up in all the right places, but don’t think for a second that these are just four actors doing good impressions. Ricky Ricardo may be one of the most mimicked characters in television but Bill Medieta is playing Ricky Ricardo, and that is a huge difference. Mr. Medieta becomes so Ricardo completely that watching him interact with Lucy and his orchestra feels like visiting an old friend. Likewise, Sirena Irwin does a marvelous job portraying Lucille-playing-Lucy, the most impressive moment coming when she shifts back and forth between the two during retakes. Bill Chott plays a less cranky and more fun Fred Mertz while Ethel is presented pitch perfect by Lisa Joffrey.
Amazingly, that’s not even the half of it. Every fade to commercial break is met with a live commercial performance by the incredibly talented ensemble, who tap dance to alka-seltzer, expound on the wonders of brylcreem and encourage the audience to road trip in their Chevrolet. Then there’s the “Ricky Ricardo Orchestra.” Ricky’s full band inhabits the Tropicana stage live and in person, turning an already memorable show into a phenomenal musical experience.
This show is fun stacked on top of fun stacked on top of fun. Fans of the classic show will be in absolute heaven, but even the most casual of viewers will have a great time. If this production is as successful as it should be, there will be a tour in its future. Don’t wait that long to see it; check it out soon, before it gets its legs.
"I Love Lucy" Live on Stage runs now through December 30th, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 7pm. Beginning October 26th, there will also be Wednesday and Thursday performances at 8pm. Tickets are $34 through www.ilovelucylive.com or by calling 800-595-4TIX.
Staged & Directed by Rick Sparks
Producers: Kim Flagg and Hyra George
Executive Producers: David George and Stephen Kahn
Musical Direction and Arrangements by Wayne Moore
Original Music and Recordings by Peitor Angell
Set Design by Aaron Henderson
Costume Design by Shon LeBlanc
Wig/Makeup Design by Byron J. Batista
Lighting Design by Jeremy Pivnick
Sound Design by Cricket S .Myers
