PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS SUCK, SHOW DOESN’T
I didn’t want to see this show. Looking at the promotional material, I thought it looked boring and pretty unimaginative. On the drive there, I actually commented on how I would rather pay the price of the ticket to not see the show.
Um…I was wrong.
Summer of ‘42 is staged by Minneapolis Musical Theatre; well known for off-beat musicals that are seldom produced. The show utilizes a smart cast headed up by Cade Bittner and Jennifer Eckes. Bittner’s take on the role of “Hermie” is spot-on. His innocence is infatuating and his energy is contagious. Eckes does a fine job tackling “Dorothy”, a role that she seems a bit too young for. Her rock-steady voice and gentle appeal helped anchor the show.
Other stand-outs include C. Ryan Shipley as the nerdy bird-watching friend “Benjie”, and Courtney Miner as his lisping love interest “Gloria”. Both handle comedy like pros and make for some of the most hilarious scenes in the show.
Andrea Heilman’s set, although a bit underwhelming, did the job and complimented the production nicely.
All-in-all, this is a fun night at the theatre and if you’re a fan of the old-school musical theatre style, you should most certainly try to check it out.
