Sandy Wilson’s spoof of British musicals of the 1920’s fills the room with jazzy music, spirited dance and silly, but lovable characters. It is said that although the American 20’s roared, the British 20’s “tittered” and the young ladies at Mme. Dubonnet’s finishing school on the French Riviera enliven the stage with their pursuit of fun, adventure, and love.
The signature tune, “I Could Be Happy With You,” performed by Anna Bianconi of Lisbon Falls as Polly and Hamish Strong of Topsham as Tony, sets the tone for the convoluted path to romance found among all of the players. Emily Edmondson of Winthrop as Maisie and Matt Bianconi of Lisbon Falls as Bobby, introduce the American 20’s with their rousing “Won’t You Charleston With Me?” Mme. Dubonnet (Rachael Roberts of Brunswick) pursues the rekindling of her wartime tryst with Percival Browne (Steve Rodriguez of Bath) bolstered by “It’s Never Too Late,” sung by Lord Brockhurst (Sean Drumm of Bath) and Dulcie (Kirstin Hayward of Bath). Emily Carle of Woolwich as Hortense, the French maid, tries in vain to maintain order.
Rachel Prescott, 1998 graduate of Mt. Ararat High School in her second summer as youth artistic director, stated that her goal is for the cast to have fun and to show the audience just how silly the 20’s could be. Rachel Hanson, 1999 graduate of Morse High School and Ron Trell’s School of Dance, has choreographed the exciting dance numbers, “The Riviera” perhaps being the highlight . Amy Maier, Morse High School class of 2,000, plays piano like a long-time member of a jazz band, Chris Enright of Bath will steady the beat on percussion. Emily Downs (Brunswick) has acted as youth tech director.
The chorus of eligible maidens is rounded out by Sarah Mason, Meg Owen (as well as Lady Brockhurst), Tina Kendrick and Heather Doris all of Brunswick, Jenni Constantine of Bath and Emily Findlen of Bowdoin and Topsham. The Riviera rogues, Tim Dougherty, Stevie Butterfield and Dave Mealey of Hallowell and Matt Carle of Woolwich are willingly pursued. As one parent observed, “it’s so nice to see these kids from such widespread high schools get together, and not only perform, but share prom pictures, snacks, war stories and obviously get along so well.”
Tickets for The Boy Friend are $10 general, $8 seniors and $4 for students through the generosity of Dr. Frederick Findlen of Topsham. They are available through Constantine’s Music, 42 Cushing Street Brunswick, MacBeans Music, 141 Maine St. Brunswick, Sunburst Guitars 26 Center St. Bath and Village Candle Factory Stores at Topsham Fair Mall and Bow St. Freeport. For information or reservations, call the Merrymeeting Community Players’ phone line at 721-9228 or Email mcp@nqi.net.
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The Cast
Production Pictures