BWW Reviews: Lead Actress Completely Charming in Hale Center Theater's KISS AND TELL

"Kiss and Tell" is a completely charming comedy at Hale Center Theater Orem that stars the completely charming Brighton Quinn Hertford in the lead role.

For those who have seen Hertford perform previously -- most recently as Maggie in HCTO's "Lend Me a Tenor" -- it will come as no surprise that her performance is (yet again) completely charming.

Hertford is a rare gem comic actress. She has effervescent comedic timing and a commanding stage presence. Quite simply, whenever you see the name Brighton Quinn Hertford listed as a cast member, buy a ticket to the production and you will be richly rewarded.

With spirited direction by Kymberly Luke Mellen, Hertford and many "Kiss and Tell" actors raise what would otherwise be a gentle, throwaway comedy from a bygone era to a pleasant, laugh-filled evening of nostalgic theater.

Based on the 1943 Broadway comedy by F. Hugh Herbert, "Kiss and Tell" is the story of impulsive teenager Corliss Archer (Hertford), who is the only person in on the secret marriage between her GI brother, Lt. Lenny Archer (a likable James Bounous) and local girl Mildred Pringle (the pert Allie Rae Saraiva). When Mildred becomes pregnant, Corliss can't reveal the marriage, since the Archers and the Pringles aren't overly fond of one another. Thus it is that Corliss herself pretends to be expecting. She further identifies her next-door boyfriend as the father, opening yet another can of worms.

The play's confusions are wholly contrived but also mildly scandalous, which leads to many stifled guffaws.

Along with Mellen, two other members of the design team need to be singled out for their excellent contributions: Bobby Swenson for his scenic design and Amanda Fitt for her vintage costume design.

"Kiss and Tell" runs through Feb. 8 with Monday-Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. For tickets, call 801-226-8600 or visit haletheater.org.

Caption: James Bounous (Lt. Lenny Archer), Allie Rae Saraiva (Mildred Pringle), Ammon Loveless (Dexter Franklin) and Brighton Quinn Hertford (Corliss Archer). Photo by Pete Widtfeldt

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