BABES IN ARMS

Let's put on a show!

By Kathy Tamburri

CLINTON— It's the summer musical of summer musicals, and it's playing at Clinton Town Hall this weekend and next.

Clinton Community Theatre's (CCT's) production of the Rodgers and Hart classic "Babes in Arms" features local-area talent, ranging from teenagers to adults in their 20s and 30s. High-energy rehearsals predict a lively show appropriate for all ages, with dance numbers from the whimsical to the athletic, and a raft of familiar songs.

"My Funny Valentine," "The Lady Is a Tramp" and "I Wish I Were in Love Again" are just a few of the well known songs from "Babes in Arms."

CCT co-producer Julie (Murrman) Sloan, of Clinton, says the voices in this production are "very good."

"Some have been with us for a few shows and others are brand new" to CCT, Sloan said. She said she has never produced "Babes in Arms" before and it has been a lot of fun. She and co-producer Rob Nierintz have been producing shows together for CCT for 15 years; Sloan has been with the 26-year-old organization since its founding in 1981.

Director Bill Grady, of Clinton, was standing in for lead actor Steven Yerardi at Sunday's rehearsal, as Yerardi, who plays the central character, Valentine White, in "Babes in Arms," was in New York. Sloan said Yerardi, a Hudson High School alumnus, will soon be going on tour with "Sesame Street Live."

Others in the production may be familiar to audience members as recent leads in area high schools' musicals and plays.

Actors and actresses in the show come from a wide range of towns, Sloan said. She said Clinton, Lancaster, Hudson, Marlboro, Littleton and Stow are the most heavily represented.

At the piano at Sunday's rehearsal was the show's music director, Nate Newton. The choreographer is Whitney Stone.

"This is my second show with Nate (Newton)," said Hudson actress Shannon Hinckley. "He's a good music director. And this is a good way to spend your summer - doing something you love. It's a nice social atmosphere."

Hinckley, who was directed by Grady and Nierintz in various shows throughout her four years at Hudson High School, plays the character "Jennifer Owen." Currently working full time at a commercial bank in Newton, Hinckley drives straight from Newton after work, to get to rehearsals in Clinton.

"It's quite a hike," she said, but it's worth the trip. She said she did not act in college and found she missed it, so after college she came back to Clinton to work with "Bill and Rob" again.

Hinckley and Sloan explained the premise of "Babes in Arms":

"It takes place in a playhouse on Cape Cod," Sloan said. "Most of the cast play apprentices of the playhouse. The two co-owners want to produce a God-awful show called 'The Deep North,' but the players want to do their own production, which Valentine White wrote."

The "God-awful" play is written by "Lee Calhoun," a Southern writer with more ego than talent, played by Lancaster's Drew Arvin. Sub-plots involving relationships among the characters, each with his or her own aspirations, add interest and comedy.

For example, Hinckley's character, Jennifer, is a grown-up child movie star trying to break into stage acting. "Susie," a teenage actress played by Molly Lister (who played Belle in CCT's "Beauty and the Beast"), competes with Jennifer for Valentine's affections. Both actresses sing solo songs.

"Terry Thompson," played by Clinton's Ashley Beck, is a "16-year-old going on 30, who wants to be older and mature. She uses sexy behaviors to try to get attention, but everyone still thinks of her as a kid," Hinckley said. Some in the audience will recognize Ashley as "Dolly," from this spring's CHS production of "Hello, Dolly."

Britney Steele, of Littleton, is another show-stopping singer. She plays "Bunny Byron," the playhouse secretary who always manages to get a part in playhouse shows.

Those who like large all-cast musical numbers will enjoy this production for the dancing as well as the singing, and that goes for the male as well as female dancers. Sloan said the cast numbers 25 to 28, and actors take the stage as a group frequently.

Other local actors featured in "Babes in Arms" are:

Scott Smith, as "the press agent"; Joseph Pongratz, as "Seymour Fleming"; Matthew Sawtelle, as "Gus Field"; Alyson Sutherland, as "Phyllis Owen"; and Ted Zayka, as "Steve Edwards."

The "featured ensemble" includes:

Brett Rochford, as "Peter;" Samantha Tobia, as "Betty;" Roald Osvold, as "Bob;" Meaghan O'Toole, as "Libby;" Natalya Betzig, as "Ann;" Kyle Mendes, as "Don;" and Pam Martin, as "Nancy."

"Babes in Arms" opens this Friday, July 20. Repeat performances are Saturday, July 21 and the following weekend, Friday and Saturday, July 27 and 28. All performances are at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and children 12 and up, and $10 for seniors and children under 12. They can be purchased at the door, or in advance from cast members or the Bigelow Free Public Library, 54 Walnut St., Clinton.

For more information, call Bill Grady at (978) 368-1312