BWW Preview: MAME Opens at Palm Canyon Theatre

The Palm Canyon Theatre (PCT) has opened its production of MAME. Unfortunately, Broadway World wasn't able to review it during its opening weekend, but we want to make sure that our readers know about the show, which plays from Thursdays to Sundays, through December 17th.

MAME is a hit 1966 Tony-winning musical comedy that ran for 1508 performances (a long run for those days - in the top 50 for Broadway musicals), has played in the West End, and has been revived twice. Jerry Herman wrote the music and lyrics, and Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee wrote the original, nonmusical play, itself based upon a 1956 novel by Patrick Dennis. Among MAME's musical numbers are the title song, "We Need a Little Christmas," "Bosom Buddies," and "That's How Young I Feel."

The show tells the story of a socialite living a Bohemian lifestyle in the late 1920's, when she becomes the guardian for her brother's orphaned son. Rather than adapt herself to what most people would consider to be a proper parent, she introduces the boy to the joys of living as a free spirit. Despite ups and downs (including the Depression and the war, among other setbacks), she manages to keep going with joy and optimism.

The PCT production of MAME features a top-notch cast, starring Se Layne as the irrepressible title character, Morgana Corelli as lovable lush Vera Charles, Ben Van Dijk as ten-year-old Patrick, and Scott Clinkscales as grown-up Patrick. Broadway dancer Stephanie Eley directed and choreographed the show. Steven Smith is the musical director. The designers are Derik Shopinski (costumes); Allan Jensen (scenery); and J.W. Layne, co-artistic director of PCT (lighting).

The rest of the featured cast includes Rob Weidert (Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside), Ben Reece (M. Lindsay Woolsey), Jeffrey Fergson (Dwight Babcock), Elizabeth Schmelling (Agnes Gooch), Adrian Fernando Vera (Ito), Kelli Perches (Sally Cato), Jasmine Shaffer (Madame Branislowski), Nick Wass (Junior Babcock), Bianca Stoker (Gloria Upson), Chandra Smith (Pegeen Ryan), and Mat Tucker (Gregor).

Show times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. on Thursdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $32-$36. Student tickets are $15, with valid ID; student tickets must be purchased at the Box Office.

For tickets or more information, call the Palm Canyon Theater Box Office at 760-323-5123 or order online: PalmCanyonTheatre.org. The Palm Canyon Theater is located at 538 North Palm Canyon Drive, at the corner of Alejo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. Box Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

PHOTO CREDIT: Paul Hayashi

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