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What a delightful pair of talented performers - with their genuine comedic flair, and spectacular voices.
The show is a slice of life production right out of the 60's TV musical variety shows that many of us remember from the past and from reruns on TV.
The setting takes place in a fictional television studio complete with "applause" sign and "on-the-air" notice and the Winter Park Playhouse audience is supposedly the audience in the television studio.
Pete and Keely are back at the studio for a reunion and although once married and now divorced, are intent on making the TV audience feel that nothing is wrong and the couple are still friends.
The song "It's Us Again" opens the show and sets the pace. Alexander's sexy rendition of "Daddy" gets you in the mood for a spectacular journey through their stormy relationship. There is a lot of friendly and not-so-friendly bickering on the studio stage, and, of course behind the scenes, which escalates to almost fisticuffs. But at times, you can feel their pull toward each other, as they come to realize they truly care about each other.
The sons (22 in all), are marvelous, and are performed with a definite flair and emotion, and will definitely make you feel a little nostalgic - songs like " This Could Be The Start of Something Big, Lover, Besame Mucho, Secret Love" and lots more.
The beginning of Act II is a funny, typical 60's "Tony 'n' Cleo Scene."
Alexander's sultry rendition of "Black Coffee" is a real showstopper. The most amazing number, in my estimation and the audience's, if their resounding applause was any indication, was "The Cross Country Tour." The duo never missed a beat in the long, non-rhyming, non-alphabetical rendition of states and cities they had visited during their tour, with interesting bits of lyrics on each state - such as "I Left My Heart in San Francisco, Moon Over Miami, Chicago, San Francisco" and much more. "Fever," sung by Howard is another great number.
There are some intriguing scenes in the show, such as taking someone from the audience to be part of a fictional Swell Shampoo hair product commercial that is part of the show. The "Swell Shampoo Song" is also cute.
The show is backed up by the talented Mollye Otis, Tony Hill and Larry Byington and they are simply marvelous.
The show is a definite winner. Run out and purchase your tickets now for a delightful, romantic, and funny romp through the 60's and, believe me, you will love the ending.
"Pete 'N' Keely" is playing at the new Winter Park Playhouse, 711-B Orange Ave. Winter Park, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, through Nov. 1 tickets are $25 and $28. Reservations 407-645-0145.
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