STAGE REVIEW
'Mame' a lively, magnificently done production

By Joseph T Rozmiarek
Advertiser Drama Critic

Shari Lynn is excellent as the title character in "Mame." Advertiser library photo 'Mame' Where: Diamond Head Theatre When: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays through April 14 Admission: $40-$10 Information: 733-0274

The cast and production crew have clearly invested time, energy, spirit, and personal inspiration. It all comes back tenfold with a show that looks great, sounds terrific, and beautifully fills out all of its parts.

"Mame" was a 1960s Broadway hit for Jerry Herman, and is based on the Patrick Dennis novel which also inspired the film "Auntie Mame," starring Rosalind Russell. The musical follows the movie's story line, but simplifies it — replacing comic sketches with musical numbers that marginally illustrate character, but that are definitely delightful to watch.

By making the production numbers sizzle, Rampage hits the right nerve and brings the show to life. It's big, showy and fun, but still lets the plot and the characters show through.

We first meet Mame in her New York penthouse apartment amid of one of her notorious parties. She descends a circular staircase, blowing a bugle and welcoming a mob of her intimate friends — including those that she hasn't yet met.

At floor level, she discovers her orphaned nephew and ward, 10-year-old Patrick, newly arrived and dumbstruck by his auntie's lifestyle. That moment sets the course for the entire show, as Mame brings up the boy without sacrificing her unique world view.

It's difficult to decide which part of the production to praise first. Acting, staging, music, and visual elements are all exceptional.

Shari Lynn is fabulous in the title role. She has a strong, jazzy, belting voice that puts the show's most familiar songs over the top: "We Need a Little Christmas," "Open a New Window," and "If He Walked into My Life." Lynn also has the steamroller presence to drive the show's engine and the brittle comic presence to make "Bosom Buddies" with Wisa D'Orso as Vera a real showstopper.

D'Orso injects wonderful presence as Mame's best friend and a sardonic, alcoholic actress. She's got the best one-liners in the show and delivers them with relish, greeting the 1929 stock market crash by deadpanning, "Thank God I never put anything aside."

Kanoa Goo is fine as young Patrick, showing great composure on "My Best Girl" and generally keeping the role honest without making it cloying. Cori Vas is excellent as the older Patrick, reprising the song with good tone and emotion, and letting that spirit dominate the character.

Zena Zambrano is delightful as shy Agnes Gooch, relishing both sides of the character coin with "St. Bridget" and "Gooch's Song." Gene Allen has both stature and charm as wealthy southerner Beau Burnside, Gary Masuoka is fun as Mame's houseboy, and Richard Pellett is on target as the conservative banker.

Everybody — that's everybody — sings well. Donald Yap conducts an excellent small orchestra.

And the show looks magnificent. Rampage and Karen Wolfe have turned out hundreds of costumes from glittering cocktail gowns to peachy southern frocks. Patrick Kelly's set nicely captures the penthouse of a woman who changes her decor as often as she changes her mind.