Londoners seeking distraction from the grim aftermath of World War II enthusiastically embraced Sandy Wilson’s frothy, infectiously entertaining show, ‘The Boy Friend,’ which ran for more than five years on the London stage. These days, some of us distract ourselves with heightened TV melodramas situated in hospitals or the haunts of the super-attenuated wannabe models. But there is a very lively audience for musical revivals: witness the recent success of ‘Anything Goes,’ ‘On Your Toes,’ and even ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ which revived a mythical old musical. These joyous musicals are guilelessly victorious in packing in audiences. Theatre Palisades made a wise choice by staging ‘The Boy Friend’ for this summer’s musical. While the limited cast lends itself well to the size and capability of Pierson Playhouse, each actor shoulders demanding performance expectations as singer, dancer and actor. ‘The Boy Friend,’ written in 1953, is a comical pastiche of the 1920’s shows’a golden age for Broadway musicals, many of which remain anchored in our memories through songs such as ‘When I’m Calling You’ from ‘Rose Marie,’ or ‘Tea For Two’ from ‘No, No, Nanette.’ Despite the wildest romantic plot possible, the set, costumes and score lure us into enjoying every bit of the ride. The situation is simple’lovely, fun-loving young ladies, eager young men; love abounds, but only after the disappointment and heartbreak of love thwarted. The scene is set in the south of France, simply and effectively designed by Gene Smith, who has created a score of sets for Theatre Palisades. Along with his talents, those of costume designer Joyce Gale Smith cannot be praised enough. The flappers dressed in a rainbow of pastel chemises, or flattering two-piece bathing attire evoke their privileged station in life. And the costumes for the dressy ball are spectacular, from the black- and-white satin suits for Pierrot and Pierette, to Marie Antoinette’s ensemble with headdress. The plot turns on Polly (Meredith M. Sweeney) and Tony (Drew Fitzsimmons), who find one another in the most preposterous circumstances. If being together were based on their singing and dancing alone, soulmates they’d be. They are aptly supported by a talented corps of girls and guys, with particular attention to Maisie (Sarah Mahoney), whose flirtatious seduction is irresistible, particularly to her sweetheart Bobby (Joshua Ziel). Their Charleston is, what the 1920s were all about. Speaking of seduction, for Lord Brockhurst (Bill Quade) hope burns eternal, and what a spin he takes with the fun-loving Dulcie (Amy Coles). The show, in three acts, moves along on the musical talents of pianist Anouich NeVart and her trio: Reed Phantom, saxophone and clarinet, and Dan Blum, drums. From the sing-along three-quarter time waltzes to the eight-count Charleston, this versatile orchestra maintains the upbeat pace this play deserves. Choreographer Victoria Miller matches talent with skill. Nicole Paolini (Nancy) and Allan Penales (Pierre) step out of their chorus roles into a tango that shows where their real passion lies. And Polly and Tony pay homage to Rogers and Astaire in tap shoes. ‘The Boy Friend’ continues Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through October 14 at Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd. For tickets ($16 to $22) contact (310) 454-1970.
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