BWW Reviews: Going Back in Time with I LOVE LUCY LIVE at Dr. Phillips Center

When I LOVE LUCY's last television episode aired in 1960, it was about 26 years before I was born. My exposure to Lucy was through reruns on Nick at Night, but I LOVE LUCY - LIVE ON STAGE is probably best suited for audiences that already consider themselves Lucy fans. While those who aren't necessarily fans will likely still enjoy the show, I don't think that they will appreciate this production nearly as much as if they grew up with Lucy and Desi coming into their living rooms once a week.

Though it is an interesting study of American culture "back then," after half a century, the characters brought back to life on stage don't resonate with a younger audience like they once did. At the risk of sounding ageist, going in, I wondered if the content would be remotely relevant and unfortunately, it wasn't. I could also take a stand on women's rights and discuss how it is a disservice that one of the most powerful women in the 1950s is still only remembered as a bumbling housewife, but that was just the way that things were back then. While the show was not relevant to me, it was clear that other audience members, and Lucy fans, appreciated this production, because it reminded them of a better and simpler time.

I LOVE LUCY puts the audience in the middle of taping two episodes for the I Love Lucy show: "The Benefit," and "Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined," which were real episodes written and performed on TV. The first episode centers around Lucy trying to convince Ricky to perform at Ethel's fundraising benefit. The other episode has Lucy get her eyes examined before going to an audition. In order to film the show, there is an enthusiastic Desilu Playhouse Host (Mark Christopher Tracy) who routinely breaks the fourth wall. He urges the audience to laugh out loud "and maybe you'll hear yourself on TV."

To give the full authentic experience there is an "APPLAUSE" sign and some audience plants dressed in 1950s clothing. While I have no doubt that the production does well to mimic the true TV taping experience, it seemed trite to force applause on a theatrical audience. As for audience participation: it is entertaining, but I have to wonder if it is truly necessary?

Like an actual 50s' TV show, there are commercials "filmed" during breaks. These moments serve as the few song and dance numbers. The commercials had cute jingles for absurd products that showcased the company's underused singing abilities. These scenes made me miss a good jingle. I surmise that advertising must have been easier back in the 1950s when there were only a few TV channels and everyone tuned in to watch without the distraction of cellphones and tablets.

The ensemble was helpful in providing the necessary entertainment between scenes. The most notable ensemble member was Denise Moses, who plays Mrs. Figg (among many others). She is a fellow "audience" member and mastered the look of forlorn wide-eyed wonder. In addition to the ensemble, there is even a small live band. My favorite scenes involved the live band inside Ricky's club. The beats were hypnotic and the Latin sound enchanting.

All of the main characters appear in the stage show Lucy, her husband Ricky, and their neighbors Fred (Kevin Remington) and Ethel (Lori Hammel). As Lucy, Thea Brooks transferred that larger-than-life on-screen personality to the stage. Her mannerisms, tone and delivery were spot-on with Lucille Ball's original character. She is annoying and endearing; a loyal yet manipulative wife. At one point I thought, "Wow for being such a comedian, Lucy was a pretty good dancer!"

The strongest performance was given by Euriamis Losada who plays Desi Arnaz/Ricky Ricardo. His authentic Cuban accent perfectly illustrates the struggle of bilingualism. Losada has an amazing voice and was born to play this character. He also gets to deliver many of the I LOVE LUCY trademark lines that had audience members hooting in delight.

Two set pieces include Lucy and Desi's home and then the club. These sets are probably close to the original size. The audience can see only one room, but it is explained that through the magic of television, multiple scenes would be stitched together in the final broadcast. It is interesting to get a "backstage" view on the "taping" from a bygone television era. While it may not have been my cup of tea, I can definitely see LUCY fans loving this show.

Because the show runs like you're watching a TV taping there is no intermission (make sure to use the restroom before you sit). There are convenient pauses where you can go take a break, but you will miss scenes. The whole show runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes. If you're a LUCY fan then this show is not to be missed. I LOVE LUCY - LIVE ON STAGE runs from now until June 28. For tickets and more information visit http://www.drphillipscenter.org.

Photo credit: I LOVE LUCY/ Broadway Across America

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