In a town where Hollywood celebrity carries its weight in gold, Los Angeles theatre fans often have the opportunity to see a lauded screen star take to the live stage with an equally recognizable ensemble cast, as is currently the case at the Falcon Theatre in Burbank, Calif.
Television sitcom star Tony Danza, known for roles in Taxi and Who's the Boss?, tackles the lead role of Austin "Buddy" Bedford in Bernard Slade's I Remember You at the Falcon, which proves a match made in heaven, as far as casting is concerned. Danza often speaks of his love and adoration for Frank Sinatra, and as "Buddy," he personifies Ol' Blue Eyes in what feels like a glimpse into the tattered end of a crooners' career.Sitting at a piano one rainy evening in a smoky present-day Manhattan bar, Buddy is struck by the beauty of Tracy Wheaton (Madison Dunaway), an oddly familiar and over-sexed Wall Street gal stranded without a taxi. Awkwardly falling for one another, neither Buddy nor Tracy heed social norms of age differences, as Buddy could easily be confused as her father, although by showbiz standards, perhaps such an affair is no longer taboo. So the story goes, man meets girl, girl falls for man, man discovers secret and secret breaks hearts, which plays out as tired as it reads.
In I Remember You, Slade has penned a romance befit for prime-time television soaps, but on the stage reminds of an utterly predictable path down scandal lane. As Prunella Somerset (Robin Riker) is introduced, it does not take long to realize what the twist in this play with music will be. "I know it sounds terribly dramatic and silly, but it's true," says Prunella. Luckily with Danza and Riker in control, it remains a giddy jaunt through a memory-filled evening with a handful of classic melodies thrown into the mix.With nostalgia on his side, Danza, an Outer Critic's Circle Award nominee for his theatrical debut in Wrong Turn at Lungfish, dazzles as Buddy, the standards singing piano player, and pleasantly serenades with such classics as "That Face," "You Go To My Head," "Isn't It Romantic," and "Our Love Is Here to Stay." Danza's love of a bygone era is eloquently conveyed through his typically loveable fashion, and he reminds why his stints on television were so well received.
Riker, along with Richard Gilliland as the bumbling-lovesick chap Oliver Pemberton, are a pleasure to watch as they fumble through the material at hand. Gilliland, known for over 100 guest starring and series regular roles on television, delivers a standout comic performance, which slightly pulls the spotlight from Danza at times. Riker recently received an Ovation nomination for her role in The Geffen Playhouse's production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons.
Tom Buderwitz has designed a picture-perfect setting in the Manhattan bar scene, including numerous classic film posters ranging from Casablanca to It's A Wonderful Life scattered on the dimly lit walls with the help of J. Kent Inasy's expert lighting design.Directed by Walter Painter, I Remember You includes Nelson Kole as Musical Director, Ivy Heather Thaide as Costume Designer, Thaine H. Allison, Jr. as Prop Designer, Robert Arturo Ramirez as Sound Designer, Sherry Santillano as Production Manager and is produced by Judy Arnold.I Remember You plays through Sunday, November 12, 2006 at The Falcon Theatre, located at 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank, California. Tickets can be purchased at 818-955-8101.For more information visit www.FalconTheatre.com.
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