ME AND MY GIRL: Encores! Production Looks Like A Pre-Broadway Trial Run. Maybe It's Time!

Christian Borle is "Leaning On A Lamp-Post"
Photo by Joan Marcus

The jokes fly fast and furious in the sparkly Encores! production at New York City Center of the 1937 musical Me and My Girl, the show that got everyone tapping their toes to the mother of all earworm showtunes ,  "The Lambeth Walk." If you are unfamiliar with that little ditty, you can find several performances of it on youtube, like this one from the exceedingly popular revival from the 1980s that saw an eight-year run in London and three years on Broadway. (LINK HERE) 

Cast members "Doin' the Lambeth Walk"
Photo by Joan Marcus

Here are just a few examples of the baggy pants humor that summon up the memories of the Marx Brothers movies, especially when delivered by the stellar cast:

Bill:  I live in a distant village called London.
Jaquie:  But what part?
Bill:  All of me.

The Butler: Aperitif, my lord?
Bill (pointing to his teeth): No, thanks. I got me own. 

Bill (examining a pot of soup):  What's this?
Cook: It's bean soup.
Bill: I don't care what it's been.  What is it now?"


So "Marx Brothers" it is, with the versatile Christian Borle taking on the "Groucho" persona as Bill, a happy-to-lucky Cockney from the London borough of Lambeth, who learns he is the only heir to a fortune and a title. He is, if you please, the 18th Baron Haveringland, High Steward of the Brandiston Estuary, Marshall Royal in Ordinary to the Marquisate of Snetterton and the 14th Earl of Hareford.  

Bill has been brought to the family estate, where he is to be tutored in how to speak and act like a "proper gentleman" by his Aunt Maria, the Duchess of Dene (Harriet Harris, who is marvelous in the role). If Christian Borle is channeling Groucho, then Harriet Harris is his comic foil, his "Margaret Dumont," if you will. 

Of course, there are romantic entanglements involved. Laura Michelle Kelly plays Sally, the "Girl" of the title and Bill's one and only love. Like Bill, Sally hales from Lambeth. Will Bill's new position as a member of nobility destroy their chance at happiness together?  What do you think? 

Sally and Bill having a heart-to-heart
Photo by Joan Marcus

Another couple is Gerald (Mark Evans) and Jaquie (Lisa O'Hare), also representing branches of the family tree. They are engaged, but the opportunistic Jaquie breaks it off and decides to go after Bill and his new-found wealth. Will she succeed?  What do you think?

The third couple is the Duchess and her long-time suitor Sir John (Chuck Cooper, who seems to be having the time of his life). Will they at long last find true love together?  What do you think? 

Amidst the great fun, you'll also find a rich lode of wonderful singing and dancing, all beautifully directed and choreographed by Warren Carlyle, who keeps things moving along at a zippy pace, just right for keeping it all floating in air.   

Between the performances, the 27-piece orchestra under Rob Berman's always exquisite leadership, Carlyle's direction and choreography (there are 20 excellent ensemble performers in addition to the 20 cast members), Allen Moyer's simple but effective set design, and Emilio Sosa's beautiful costumes, it's quite easy to believe that this production might just find it's way onto a Broadway stage for an extended run.  And why not?  

The three happy couples.
Photo by Joan Marcus

Bravo and kudos to all involved in what is assuredly among the most extravagant and richly produced shows in Encores! 25-year history.  Me and My Girl might be fluff, but it will assuredly put a smile on your face and a tap in your toes.  And these days, that's saying a lot! 

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