Reviews
Winter Park Observer
Carole Arthurs
Dames at Sea


Dames at Sea, presented by The Winter Park Playhouse Theatre, is filled with plenty of comedy, tap dancing and love songs. This hilarious spoof of the 1930s and ‘40s movie musicals is an audience-pleaser.

Dames at Sea tells the story of naïve, fresh-faced Ruby, who becomes the last minute star of a new show just before the theatre is to be demolished. As a result, and with the idea that the show must go on, the show continues on the deck of a battleship, thanks to two sailors Lucky and Dick, who are able to convince the captain that these “dames” really should put their show on at sea.



A newcomer to the Playhouse is Heather-Dawn Sipler was able to convince the audience that she is a simpering, naïve country girl with lots of talent who just might save the show when the star is unable to go on. Sipler has a tremendous voice and plays the part with just the right naivety. Her young and fresh boyfriend-sailor (Dick) is talented Todd Allen Long, who recently appeared in the Playhouse holiday show, Celebrate Me Home.

Michael Edwards, as always, is a versatile talent that takes every character he plays to the heights. Edwards plays duel roles, and aptly portrays the sometimes inept but lovable director, Hennesey, in the first act and a hilarious but slightly lecherous captain in the second act.



Heather Alexander plays the part of the difficult and demanding “star” of the show, Mona Kent, and as always, performs her role with comedic perfection.

Rubber-faced Roy Alan is superb, as we have come to expect, as Lucky, the sailor who is chasing the love-of-his-life Joan, the gum chewing chorus dancer in the show. Robyn Pedretti, also new at The Winter Park Playhouse, is a riot as she plays this part to perfection.


Dames at Sea looks back at a time when the country coped with the difficulties surrounding the Second World War.

The songs are silly but reflect the mood of that time. They include “Wall Street,” “Good Times are Here to Stay,” “Dames at Sea,” “Let’s Have a Simple Wedding,” among others. The cast’s tap dancing is well done and Sipler is magnificent in the “Star Tar” number.

“Let’s Have a Simple Wedding” really works as the finale.

Leave your troubles at home, bring your sense of humor, and don’t expect to see a spectacular Broadway musical, rather a light-hearted spoof with a talented cast.

And, of course, you will be able to enjoy the show much better this time. The new raised seating and new carpeting was recently installed and paid for by the West Orlando Rotary Club. What a wonderful addition to Winter Park’s only equity theatre.

Dames at Sea will continue at The Winter Park Playhouse through April 23. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 pm and Saturdays at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets: $30 regular admission/$25 seniors (62 and older); $20 all matinee tickets; $15 students and entertainment industry professionals (all performances).

Reservations: 407-645-0145

The Winter Park Playhouse is located at 711-B Orange Ave., Winter Park

 

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