The Roaring Twenties were full of energy, optimism and changing social norms -- all themes that are captured in the comical "Thoroughly Modern Millie," onstage at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse beginning today, April 20.
"It is a fun, happy, lighthearted show," said director Leslie Richards of South Weber, who works in the theater's box office and has enjoyed performing in and directing shows for the past two decades.
One of the highlights of the show is the choreography. Not only does the Charleston make an appearance, but the two leading ladies double-cast as Millie are both trained dancers.
"People love to watch tap dancing. Both of my Millies are excellent tap dancers," Richards said.
In New York City in 1922, Millie Dillmount, a country girl, enters the city in search of a career and, even more important, a rich husband. The story pokes fun at the changing social norms during a time when women were newly entering the professional workforce.
After completing her training as a stenographer, Millie takes to the important task of "interviewing bosses." It is serious business, since she plans to marry her boss once the job is secured.
She settles on wealthy businessman Trevor Graydon, played by Mark Daniels of North Ogden. Graydon is impressed by her skills as a stenographer, but is a bit self-absorbed and clueless about her attempts to seduce him.
Instead, he winds up falling for Millie's beautiful friend, Miss Dorothy Brown, leaving Millie heartbroken.
Daniels has been teaching drama at Weber High school for six years and said he rarely finds the time to appear onstage. However, he liked the roles in this particular story and decided to try out.
"It's got some great music. It is a fun play," he said. He enjoys singing a fast-paced solo while testing Millie's stenography skills.
Fans need not worry about Millie's broken heart since all is soon mended, and a happy ending is on its way.
Appearing onstage as Millie, Lindsey Poll of South Weber has earned her theater education degree from Weber State University and works as a choreographer at Weber High School. Poll said Millie is a character she can relate to.
"I really like her. She is very strong and not very girlie," Poll said.
Ashley Davis of Clearfield is also cast as Millie. "Millie Dillmount is my dream role," said the Weber State University student who has enjoyed acting and dancing for years.
Davis loves the movie, the music and the chance to combine dancing with acting. When she heard that Terrace Plaza Playhouse would be holding auditions, she enrolled in a tap class to brush up on her skills.
"I love acting and tap dancing. They are a great release," Davis said.
PREVIEW
- WHAT: 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'
- WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, April 20-June 2
- WHERE: Terrace Plaza Playhouse, 99 W. 4700 South, Washington Terrace
- TICKETS: $10-$12/adults, $9-$11/students and seniors, $7-$9/age 12 and younger. Call 801-393-0070 to reserve.