Mack and Mabel

Theatre review by Mark Andrew Lawrence

 

 

Mack and Mabel was a flop on Broadway in 1974 despite a sparkling score by Jerry Herman. As usual, the culprit is the book, which gives a rather sketchy portrayal of the on-again/off-again romance between silent film producer Mack Sennett and his star Mabel Normand but this production is so entertaining that one can almost overlook its deficiencies.

I said almost. There are times when the script will try your patience but soon enough the cast is delivering one of Herman's trademark toe-tapping tunes or director Molly Smith is dazzling us with effective stage re-creations of Keystone comedies – in one sequence five at once – and all is well again.

As moviemaker Mack Sennett Benedict Campbell weaves in so many subtle touches that it's a rare case of an actor creating subtext that isn't readily apparent in the printed script. You understand completely this Mack, driven by ambition but without the courage to commit to his beloved Mabel.

Glynis Ranney breaks your heart as the delicate Mabel. It helps that Herman's score really dotes on this character giving her great range from the awestruck wonder of Look What Happened to Mabel through the tender acceptance of Mack's conditional love in So Who Needs Roses to furious rage in Wherever He Ain't as she walks out on her philandering lover and finally heartbroken resignation in Time Heals Everything. The songs alone make the role appealing but Ranney ratchets it up by matching her co-star in exploring every small detail of the character.

While Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand were part of the early days of movie-making, the character of Lottie Ames is an amalgam of several people who had worked for the Sennett studios and the role gives Gabielle Jones a chance to show off her many talents including leading a spectacular show-stopping Tap Your Troubles Away.

The problem is that in the course of this one number a major plot point is glossed over. That being Mabel's drug addiction and her implication in the shooting of director William Desmond Taylor, an event that effectively destroyed her career.  There is enough plot here to fill virtually the entire second act.

It's a missed opportunity that nothing short of a major overhaul of the script could ever address and that is obviously outside of the scope of the Shaw Festival. Still, that have once again taken a problematic show and made a smashing entertainment out of it.

 

Mack and Mabel continues in rep at the Shaw festival until October 28. Regular tickets range from $55 to $95.  The Festival also offers Sunday evening performances with all seats priced at $55. Special weekday matinees offer seniors tickets for $35 and students can buy tickets for $22. In addition, patrons between 19 and 29 years of age may purchase tickets for just $30.  The Shaw Festival also offers a variety of family packages and weekend getaways. For copy of the season brochure or to order tickets visit wwww.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-SHAW.

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