A stylish set and strong performances make Sierra Madre Playhouse’s production of Twentieth Century (adapted by Ken Ludwig) a fun ride. Director Michael Lorre has a good feel for the 1930s time period of the piece and the essence of that era’s screwball comedy. As a result he has elicited performances from his fine ensemble of actors that reflect funny and apropos 30s sensibilities.
Chief among these are splendid turns by Stephanie Erb as theater actor turned movie star Lily Garland and Arthur Hanket as Oscar Jaffe failing, yet still egomanical theater producer who hopes to lure Lily back to the fold (and save his career) on a wild train trip.
They are supported wonderfully by a colorful cast of characters including Evangelical mental patient Myrtle Clark (played with panache by Beth Leckbee), Jaffe’s staff Owen O’Malley (Alan Brooks, conveying a whiskey-loving Irishman to a “T”) and Ida Webb (Kimberly Lewis so spot on as his beleaguered manager she might well have been plucked off a 1930s movie screen).
Other stand out performances in the talented ensemble include Matt Iseman as Lily’s tall, strong and handsome lover/manager, Barry Saltzman as Dr. Grover Lockwood, Dorothy Brooks as Anita Highland, Douglas Gabrielle as the Conductor and Grant Baciocco in dual roles as the Nurse and rival producer Max Jacobs.
Set Designer Adam Smith’s stylish creation of the Twentieth Century train interior is one of the finest ever seen at Sierra Madre Playhouse and Sammy Ross created some sweet lighting effects. Shon LeBlanc provided the characters with a wonderful, true-to-the-period wardrobe and most of Lily’s gowns and ensembles were exquisite.
Fun for the whole family, this Twentieth Century is sure to delight film aficionados and theatergoers unfamiliar with Hollywood’s heyday alike. Add to the antics on stage Sierra Madre’s picturesque downtown and fine restaurants and the result is a terrific theatrical night out.
Twentieth Century performs 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through March 17, 2012. Admission is $25 general; $22 seniors (65+) and students (13-17); $15 children 12 and under. Call 626-355-4318 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.
Sierra Madre Playhouse is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.Sierra Madre, CA 91024. Ample free parking is available behind theater.
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