BWW Reviews: Denver Center Presents an Instant Comedic Smash Hit with THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE

With an Elvis impersonator, drag queens and an assortment of other lovable characters, this is one show with such a unique plot that you have to see it to believe it! Filled with great humor and even greater heart, this new work has audiences falling in love with Georgia McBride over and over again. It was the larger than life characters mixed in with the down to earth reality of family that captured our hearts and kept us engaged. I also have to commend the genius of this play for utilizing their cast for dual (and sometimes triple) roles both in and out of a dress. The chemistry between Casey and Jo was apparent and you really wanted to see them succeed. And "Oh my Ru" those drag queens were absolutely fabulous and the transformation of Casey into Georgia has the audience in stitches. While I found myself doubled over in pain from laughing throughout, it was those tender moments that I cherished. Add in memorable drag performances, and you have a winning show that will keep audiences coming back for more! I will say with confidence that this comedic gem is going to be a hot commodity and will be viral on stages across America in no time. I would also not be surprised if Hollywood comes knocking on Mr. Lopez's door for his amazing script (if Broadway doesn't best them to it)!!!

Ben Huber was the perfect man to strap on that dress and provide the masculine and feminine qualities and complexities of Casey and Georgia McBride. It was his goofy charm that made us smile, but it was his exuberant passion for performing and transformation into Georgia that captured of hearts. His competitive lip synch for his life that transfixed everyone and proved him and her an exceptional entertainer and an overall amazing performance. Jamie Ann Romero showed such versatility in playing not one, not two, but three wonderfully diverse and memorable roles as Jo, Eddie, and the drag queen supreme. From sassy, classy to trashy, Jamie was able to capture the heart in every role and was fascinating to watch. Matt McGrath captured the essence and complexity that was Ms. Tracy Mills. It was the complexity portrayed in his character that was so intriguing and his heart warming performance that kept the audience engaged throughout. I also enjoyed his alter-persona as Casey's down to earth brother, Beau. I truly appreciated this role because it kept this off reality grounded in the real world as he expressed his concerns for his dreamer brother to face life and support his family. While Ms. Tracy provided the heart to the show Nick Mills as Ms. Rexy brought the pain and the harsh reality that sometimes goes with prejudices of working as a drag queen. It was his moving speech about his war wounds that brought a tear to everyone's eyes and proved him an excellent actor. In sharp contrast to this was his hilarious portrayal of Casey's lovable buffoon for a landlord, Jason.

Director Mike Donahue was the master puppeteer pulling all the talent and technical strings to make this premiere a masterful heartwarming delight. The most genius thing that he did was adding "roadies" to transform each set and assist actors with onstage costume changes making for a perfectly fluid plot and effortless storyline. The shining talents of Dane Laffrey glistened and shimmered in the fabulous costumes for this show. I loved the sharp contrast from the everyday common wear looks and the bright and brilliant looks for the queens. I appreciated the subtle, symbolic foreshadowing to these two conflicting sides, that is made evident in the plot. The biggest compliment I can give is that I attending the show with one of my favorite local drag queens (Shout Out to my girl Venus Sexton) and I had to smile as I noticed her literally shopping these amazing garments as they came out for every number. It would be a pretty sad show if these drag queens didn't actually shup up, tuck, and put out a stellar musical performance; and the thoughtful musical staging and movement by Will Taylor and original music and arrangements by Jill BC Du Boff that did not disappoint. It was the fantastic performances by the queens that was the highlight of the show, energizing the audience and adding to the complete extraordinary experience. Seriously, Ms. Tracy's ADD homage to musical theatre was hilarious, spastic and fun; and Georgia's Streisand competition number brought a tear to my eye! I love the set by designer Donyale Werle that offered a more stripped down rustic set with special and fantastic attention to all the finishing touches. Those were especially noticed and appreciated in the dressing room with all the attention to detail with the makeup counter and dress rack. The lighting by Don Darnutzer was full of color and illuminated and elevating every drag performance. I also have to give a "slow clap" to the creative team of the Denver Center for thinking of the entire experience and adding those extras that made the audience never want to leave the theatre. I was so excited to not only have frozen margaritas, but also bring them into the Ricketson Theatre for the first time because a drag show and libations go hand in hand. In addition, the live post show drag performance featuring local drag queens was another brilliant touch. Great job Denver Center and I hope to see this thorough brilliance in many productions to come!

Now I know this may be a little premature in the year (it being February and all), but I will take a gay leap and say that this show is definitely one of the most fun and enjoyable times that you will have in a theater all year!!! So grab a couple friends, and a couple frozen margaritas and experience the sheer joy that is Georgia McBride!

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE is thoroughly delighting audiences now through February 23rd in the Ricketson Theatre of the Denver Center. Performances are Tuesdays - Thursdays at 6:30pm; Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm; Saturday & Sunday matinees at 1:30pm (Please Note: February 7th & 8th show at 8:00pm only and February 9th at 6:30pm only). For tickets or more information, contact the Denver Center Ticket Services by calling 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: Jennifer M Koskinen

Ben Huber as Casey and Jamie Ann Romero as Jo

Ben Huber as Casey, Nick Mills as Ms. Rexy and Matt McGrath as Ms. Tracy Mills

Ben Huber as Casey

Ben Huber as Georgia McBride and Matt McGrath as ms. Tracy Mills

Ben Huber as Georgia McBride and Jamie Ann Romero as Jo