Nostalgic ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ charms at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Riverside Centre for the Accomplishing Arts provides Meet Me in St. Louis, with tracks by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane and book by Hugh Wheeler. Primarily based on The Kensington Tales by Sally Benson and the MGM movement photograph Meet up with Me in St. Louis, this musical follows the life of the Smith household for the duration of the calendar year major up to the 1904 opening of the World’s Reasonable. Generated and directed by Patrick A’Hearn, Fulfill Me in St. Louis is a nostalgic journey back to a easier time, which a great deal of us could use right now!
Musical Director Carson Eubank potential customers a are living orchestra for this production, which proceeds to be a massive attract for Riverside, who are broadly acknowledged for their skilled musical numbers. Scenic Designer Frank Foster transforms the stage into the handsome interior of the Smith household household, and Kyna Chilcot does a terrific career coming up with the period of time costumes that showcase American manner from perfectly above a century back (feel ruffled attire and parasols). The technological crew, directed by Will O’Donnell, generate results of the highest quality and give the performers a richly specific area to get the job done with.
The plot centers all over the two eldest of four sisters in the Smith family members. Esther (Ally Dods) is lovesick for the family’s new neighbor John Truitt (Jackson Hurt), which she expresses in the quantity “The Boy Future Door,” though Rose (Sarah Mae Anderson) impatiently waits for her beau Warren Sheffield (Ian Charles) to suggest. Though the household bickers about this and that, their appreciate and support for every single other is highlighted in the music “Whenever I’m With You.” Their mom Mrs. Smith (Heather Mcintosh-Braden) doles out adore advice in the sweet quantity “You’ll Hear a Bell,” and later on their cheeky maid Katie (Andrea Kahane) offers her personal perception with the playful “A Contact of the Irish.”
The vocals are beautiful, significantly Dods’s remarkably expected “Have On your own a Merry Minimal Christmas,” which, specified the time, received the most enthusiastic response, 2nd to the properly-cherished “Trolley Song” (for which an actual trolley was specially built)! Stephanie Wood does a good occupation as choreographer for this output, most notably in the ensemble figures “Skip to My Lou” and “The Banjo.” From conventional square dancing to a advanced waltz and outstanding leaps and stunts, the dancing is a especially unforgettable side of this demonstrate.
The plotline is quite easy and straightforward, making the tune-and-dance numbers conveniently the primary lure for Fulfill Me in St. Louis. However, some enjoyment is introduced into the plot with comedic aid from Grandpa Prophater (Robert L. Nelson) and the two young Smith sisters. Tootie and Agnes Smith (Fiona J. Scripps and Kylee Hope Geraci) are spirited and mischievous and receive a lot of laughs from the viewers. The present is healthful, sentimental, and highlights the warmth and comfort of family members. Fantastic for this time of year!
Riverside Heart for the Doing Arts’ Meet up with Me in St. Louis is a good-natured vintage that the complete household can appreciate together. The earlier couple of decades have been hoping, in particular for families. A viewing of this display is a excellent way to welcome the year and celebrate togetherness.
Running time: Somewhere around two and a half several hours, which include 1 15-minute intermission.
Meet Me in St. Louis plays as a result of December 31, 2021, at Riverside Heart for the Carrying out Arts — 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA. To acquire tickets (supper and display $70–$75 additionally tax, demonstrate only $55–$60), get in touch with (540) 370-4300 or purchase on line.
