March 6, 2002
Goodspeed's Dames at Sea Has Chamberlain &
Carlton as Ruby & Dick, April 5-July 6
By Kenneth Jones
Corinne Melancon, Andrea Chamberlain, and Paula Leggett Chase
photo by Diane Sobolewski
Andrea Chamberlain is Ruby and Joel Carlton is Dick in the
Goodspeed Opera House's revival of Dames at Sea, the daffy musical
spoof of 1930s movie musicals, April 5-July 6 in East Haddam, CT.
Chamberlain was seen on Broadway as Ramona in Little Me and
in Goodspeed's No, No, Nanette. Carlton's Off-Broadway credits
include Imperfect Chemistry, Jeffrey and Most Men Are, as well
as Goodspeed's No, No, Nanette.
Scott Thompson directs and choreographs the tale of a young chorus
girl who becomes a star when the leading lady gets seasick (after
the demolition of a theatre leads a troupe to perform on the deck
of a battleship). Book and lyrics of the 1968 Off-Broadway hit
(which launched the career of Bernadette Peters) are by George
Haimsohn and Robin Miller, with music by Jim Wise. Goodspeed's
opening night is April 26.
The principals, singing comic pastiche numbers such as "Choo Choo
Honeymoon," "Raining in My Heart," "Broadway Baby" and "It's You,"
include Corinne Melançon (as Mona), whose Broadway credits include
Kiss Me, Kate, Jekyll & Hyde and Big, and Michael Gruber (as Lucky),
featured on Broadway in the original companies of Swing! and Miss
Saigon. Paula Leggett Chase (playing Joan) was seen in Broadway's
revivals of Kiss Me, Kate and Damn Yankees. The roles of Harry
Henessey and the Captain will be played by David Engel, most recently
seen on Broadway in Seussical.
F. Wade Russo is musical director. Designers are the design team
of Michael Bottari and Ronald Case (sets and costumes) and Tony
Tucci (lighting). Goodspeed Musicals' producer is Michael P. Price.
Tickets range $22-$47. Goodspeed Opera House is in East Haddam, CT.
Its sister theatre, The Norma Terris in Chester, CT, is devoted to
developing new works or revised revivals, staged without the benefit
(or sting) of theatre critics. They aren't invited. For Goodspeed
Musicals information, call (860) 873-8668.
main Dames At Sea page