3D Theatricals Delivers with Season Opener

My son and I anxiously awaited the opening of 3D Theatricals’ production of The Drowsy Chaperone, as we had read the promotion that this was “The musical for people who LOVE musicals.” Like true musical theater geeks, we listened to the soundtrack to and from various activities, familiarizing ourselves with all its catchy tunes prior to the February 11 opening. Upon advice from those who had seen the show in Los Angeles and New York, we kept the complexities of the plot a mystery, looking forward to the performance like early Christmas morning.

We arrived to Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton and were welcomed to this grand old building by Hollywood spotlights, classic cars and a formidable red carpet. This was more than just a season opener for this young production company, it was a housewarming.

As many of you know, it has been a turbulent year in the arts, and 3D Theatricals has had a bumpy ride the last few months…

As the resident company at The OC Pavilion Performing Arts Theater in Santa Ana, they only had one season under their belt before the theater was sold and the Orange County High School of the Arts acquired the space. In December 2010, 3D Theatricals realized they needed to find a new home. (FYI: The three “Ds” are comprised of Huntington Beach natives, Executive Producer and Director T.J. Dawson, sister and Co-Producer Gretchen Dawson and brother and Co-Producer Daniel Dawson.)  A few miles away, the Fullerton Civic Light Opera had announced that they were suspending their 2011 season, opening up the Plummer. After thoughtful and expedient negotiations, 3D packed up and moved from Main to Chapman.

Can you imagine the stress of getting engaged, moving, planning, and putting on a wedding in two months?! It was just short of a miracle that 3D Theatricals pulled it off. If the members of the team were nervous opening night, you would never have known it – they were all smiles and extremely gracious, welcoming us into their new theatrical home in style.   

We felt privileged to have been invited to this particular wedding at the Tottendale Mansion, featured in The Drowsy Chaperone. For the next two hours, without an intermission, we were treated to sentiment, nostalgia, hilarity, song and dance, and some awesome spit takes.  

This show is like the biggest gift under a musical theater fan’s Christmas tree and an excellent choice as a season opener. Drowsy was the Broadway darling back in 2006, nominated for eight Tonys, winner of five of the coveted award. Director Dawson studied and honored this show; it does not stray much from the original production. Dawson’s direction exceeded my already high expectations; in the local theater community he has a reputation for having a very high bar.

Kami Seymour’s choreography is triumphant, conveying the jazz era and the woven plot with success. The choreography is an essential piece in this “show within the show” and the actors nail it; at one point they stand in freeze frame for well over three minutes.  

The award-winning music is wonderfully conducted by Bret Simmons, fantastic and versatile costuming headed up by Sharell Martin, creative scenery and sets by J. Branson, lovely lighting design by Steven Young, and challenging sound design by Josh Bessom. Acoustics can be an issue, especially in this venue. The Plummer was erected in 1930 and is like a concrete vault that gobbles up sound. It is a difficult job to overcome and balance, especially in a production of this caliber. They had some issues on opening night, but Bessom’s team was on it immediately, correcting and tuning up for the next night’s show. 3D Theatricals’ strong support team include Gina Farina in production, Terry Hanrahan managing the stage and Jeanette Dawson pit singing.

That high bar of the director attracts some great local talent and others who don’t mind making the drive to Fullerton. Michael Betts leads brilliantly as the Man In Chair, Tracey Lore is a first-rate hoot as the Chaperone, The Bride is played with belting force by the lovely Gail Bennett, and The Groom is respectably portrayed by Joseph Sark. The best man George is played affably by Robert Ramirez, and the greedy Producer Felzieg and his dingy girlfriend are played by James W. Gruessing Jr. and Nicole Manly. The mobster duo pretending to be pastry chefs are played by Justin Jones and Juan Guillen. Trix the Aviatrix’s performance was successfully landed by Amber J. Snead, and the cast was rounded off with a great ensemble, featuring Casey Garritano, Hannah Simmons, Jon M. Wailin, and Stephanie Wall.

There is a celebrity featured in this show, and I enjoyed her performance. Sally Struthers plays Mrs. Tottendale, the lady of the house who suffers from memory loss, in the most charming way. Struthers is often upstaged by her dress, which is a character in itself. Her sidekick Majordomo, Underling, is portrayed by Danny Michaels, who is absolutely wonderful in the role. I would have liked to see more of the two of them, as they played off each other well.

The “favorite performance,” awarded by my son, and I have to concur, goes to Carlos Martin, who skillfully plays Aldopho, the Latin lothario. This is a comedic actor’s dream role, and Martin is hilarious in his physicality, humor and use of a Ricardo Montalban-ish, overdone accent.

Notice how I did not reveal the plot in all of this? I didn’t want to give it away, as it is my hope that you go see this show in ignorant bliss and relish in the surprises. Make a night of it – there are some great restaurants in downtown Fullerton and free parking across the street from the venue.

I retired that opening night with a big smile on my face and a tune in my head; a gratifying side effect of an enjoyable evening of theater.