At a time, during this difficult year of my life, I need as much enjoyment as I can get. And "Half-Time," the musical playing at the Paper Mill playhouse, delivers plenty of enjoyment, and some startling surprises.
Now, let me confess, if the name "Donna McKechnie" had not been attached to this project, I might have overlooked it. I am mighty glad I did not. When it opened back in Chicago, the character of Joanne, which Donna plays, was undertaken by Stefanie Powers. When Donna came on board, I cannot tell you, but when I saw her second act number, "Too Good For This," which once again puts her behind some familiar Mylar mirrors, I knew this was created for her. This would not have meant a thing, had Stefanie done it.
Despite Donna being in it, with this moment, she is not the front and center of the show. That, remarkably, goes to Georgia Engel, whose dancing skill came as such a surprise, it was like watching a new star emerge. Or, at least, a new Georgia, or audiences' perceptions of her.
Andre De Shields is every inch her match; in some ways they are this show's Marge and Gower Champion. Donna gets another nod, when a photo of her in "Company" is used.
However, it is Lori Tan Chinn, as Mae, who delivers the most moving performance, filled with infectious joy, until her back story song, "The Waters Keep Rising," make us painfully aware of how age erodes us all (but what is the alternative?). It almost shifts the show into a level of seriousness that is almost out of place here, but Chinn's delivery, and its melody and lyrics are so strong, this is easily the best musical moment in the show, and a song that deserves to be covered by other performers, in time.
In some ways this is a "Geriatric Chorus Line," and Donna's presence in it makes it interesting in that, in some ways, this is the darker side of Cassie--a woman who gave up all she loved for a man, only to have that not work out, so what does she have left? There are some unsympathetic characteristics to Joanne, and she does some bad deeds, which I would have had no problem with Stefanie doing. But, then, she can't dance like Donna, and I would rather have her anytime. As for going bitchy, well, it's like I said about Hayley Mills--she could play Lady Macbeth, and the audience would love her. Same with Donna.
Each character has his or her own back story, as do the younger women who train these older dancers. Chinn's, as mentioned, is the most touching, but everyone gets their moment to shine, and move the audience.
The show is based on a 2008 documentary film I have never seen, or heard of, till now, called "Gotta Dance!" which is basically the story of this show! It comes from truth!
Even were it entirely fictitious, this looks to be the "70 Girls 70" of the War Baby and Boomers Generations!!!!!!!!!!
As we were exiting the theater, after the performance, an enthused audience member yelled to the stage, "Broadway!" It would be exciting if this made it.
After all, great as "Follies" is, how many times can one keep doing it??????????
Let's have shows for older actors, who need not be discounted.
"Half-Time" is that show! Make haste immediately!!!!!!!!!!
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