By Audrey Gervasi
Saving Aimee, the new musical written by Kathie Lee Gifford, made its Seattle debut Thursday evening to an appreciative crowd at the 5th Avenue Theatre. The book is based on the life of early 20th century evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson. Aimee was a colorful and intriguing figure, and her story is a fascinating one.
Born in Canada, Aimee got her exposure to religion through her evangelizing mother. She met evangelist Robert Semple in 1907 while attending revival meeting, and they were married soon thereafter. The couple traveled to Europe and Asia; while in Hong Kong, Semple died from malaria in 1910 just before Aimee gave birth to their daughter. Shortly thereafter Aimee returned to the United States. She married Harold McPherson a few years later, and after giving birth to their son, embarked on her own preaching career. After touring the United States, she settled in Los Angeles where she founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. In addition to preaching at her Angelus Temple, Aimee preached over the radio. She used her talent for oratory and spectacle to spread the gospel and attract thousands to her impassioned revival meetings.
In 1926, Aimee disappeared from a California beach. She was presumed drowned, but turned up in the Mexican desert just across the border from Arizona, claiming to have been kidnapped, drugged and tortured. Many were skeptical of her claims, believing that she had run away with Kenneth Ormiston, the engineer of her radio station. A grand jury was convened to determine whether any criminal charges were warranted. Eventually Aimee was charged with obstruction of justice, but the charges were dropped.
The grand jury inquiry is the vehicle through which Aimee's story is told--through prosecutor, defense lawyer and witnesses, including of course, Aimee herself.
The production is visually stunning, with an energetic and catchy musical score, and is marked by strong performances from the entire cast. However, Carolee Carmello's portrayal of Aimee is the most memorable aspect of the show. She transitioned so ably between the different Aimees she portrayed, from the 17-year-old farm girl to accomplished and confident preacher, that I had to look twice to check whether a new actress had taken her place. Even her singing voice changed completely. Carmello is at her best in the scenes where she is portraying the preacher Aimee; her acting is outstanding and her vocals are breathtaking. At the conclusion of some of her numbers I heard other audience members whispering "wow!"--a sentiment with which I completely agreed. Carmello is a powerhouse and entirely worthy of the role, and does substantial justice to David Pomeranz and David Friedman's energetic and inspiring score. Judy Kaye as Aimee's mother Minnie and Roz Ryan as Emma Jo also deliver strong performances, as does Brandon O'Neil as Harold McPherson and Kenneth Ormison.
The set is striking. It consists of symmetrical pyramid shapes offset by three stairways: a white stairway at the center, on top of which is seated the orchestra, dressed in red Salvation Army uniforms. On either side are curved stairs, set against a forest of white obelisks. The symmetry and pyramid shapes emphasize Aimee's own poses when she is preaching at her climactic best, arms upraised to the heavens, robe sleeves dangling in inverted pyramids.
Saving Aimee is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary historical figure. The musical does not purport to judge Aimee or her beliefs, but leaves the audience to draw its own conclusions. Along the way, it provides superb entertainment.
Saving Aimee runs through October 29 at the 5th Avenue Theatre.
