BWW Reviews: The Denver Center Presents Hilarious Honky-Tonk with THE DOYLE AND DEBBIE SHOW!
By: Michael Mulhern Apr. 26, 2013
Denver Center Attractions (DCA) in association with lonesome road productions present THE DOYLE & DEBBIE SHOW playing The Garner Galleria Theatre now through July 14th. Created by Bruce Arntson, THE DOYLE & DEBBIE SHOW features all-original songs and is a sublime homage and parody, simultaneously idolizing and lampooning country music's tradition of iconic duos and the battle of the sexes that accompany theM. Doyle Mayfield, an old-guard country star with a handful of hits back in the 70s and 80s, is reviving his career thirty years, four wives and three Debbies later. The new Debbie, a single mother with three children, sees this lovable lothario as her last chance to make it big in Nashville - but she also questions hitching her star to this loose cannon.
Where the trailer meets the Grand Ol' Opry, The DOYLE AND DEBBIE SHOW with have you tapping your toes and then falling off your seat in laughter. The subtle and not so subtle dysfunction of this dynamic duo lead to a hilarious and fabulous downward spiral. I also loved the old-school country feel of the stage with great attention to detail thanks to designer Kevin Depinet. While the singing was superb and acting and perfectly over-the-top, this night belonged to those amazing songs that still have me humming them today. Those lyrics are absolute comedic genius and had the entire audience in stitches. My only alteration would be that when they had the mock break, they should have actually had a quick 10-minute intermission, but keep the action going on. Other than that quite an amusing and satisfying night of genius comedy. Highlight songs include When You're Screwing Other Women (Think of Me), I Ain't No Homo (But Man you Sure Look Good to Me), Blue Stretch Pants, Snowbanks of Life, and Fat Woman in Trailers. Just remember that Doyle and Debbie "Had done all they could with what the good Lord had given them".
Bruce Arntson was pulling double duty as the over the top lead singer Doyle Mayfield and also as the songwriter for this humorous show. While I adored his downward spiral it is his writing that I have to give him a standing ovation for. This man's comedy was genius and had me and the rest of the of the audience in tears with laughter. Denver favorite and Westword's Best Actress in a Musical, Lauren Shealy completely embraced the role of Debbie with am awkward adorableness that delighted the audience. I could swear at times through her expressions and movements that she was channeling one of my favorite funny ladies, Cheri Oteri from SNL. You could tell that Lauren really was having fun with this role and she had great chemistry with Doyle. Her stellar pipes truly shone in such numbers such as Barefoot and Pregnant and ABC's of Love, and For the Children. Matthew Carlton was funny and sweet as the shy but musically talented Buddy. He definitely kept things going not only with the music, but with the plot as well.
This show is perfect entertainment for the country-lovin' folk of Denver. So grab a date or a bunch of friends and get ready to laugh, toe-tap and more with Doyle and Debbie! THE DOYLE & DEBBIE SHOW is humoring audiences now through July 14th at the Garner Galleria Theatre. For tickets or more information, contact the Denver Center box office at 303-893-4100 or online at www.denvercenter.org.
PHOTO CREDIT: Terry Shapiro
Lauren Shealy as Debbie and Bruce Arntson as Doyle
Lauren Shealy, Bruce Arntson and Matthew Carlton in THE DOYLE AND DEBBIE SHOW
Lauren Shealy as Debbie and Bruce Arntson as Doyle
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