“Ruthless” is a Qualified Boom Success!
Emily Etherton as Judy Denmark and Erin Heatly as Tina Denmark in “Ruthless”
Favorite dramas from Hollywood’s heyday in the 50’s are “All About Eve” and “The Bad Seed.” Nancy Kelly originated Christine Penmark in both stage and movie productions of “The Bad Seed.” Alongside her is Patty McCormack as the psychopathic daughter, Rhoda in the classic film. Of course no one could forget Bette Davis and Anne Baxter in “All About Eve” the movie that created the iconic female conniver with Baxter as Eve, alongside the outstanding diva in Margot Channing so memorably played by Bette Davis. For musicals, with an entertaining as well as musical story line, no one can surpass Rosalind Russell in “Gypsy” with Natalie Wood and Suzanne Cupito (Morgan Brittany) or “Auntie Mame” starring again the incredible Rosalind Russell.
Mix the story lines of these great treasures in a shaker from Auntie Mame’s bar, garnish it with all these incredible actresses, then pour a martini of the best moments from the past and “Ruthless” is served. “Ruthless” is written by Joel Paley with music by Marvin Laird and is a sometimes amusing, often hysterical, quite witty musical spoof of these great movies. “Ruthless” plays tribute rather than makes fun, but the fun is definitely there to be made. It is not a surprise that “Ruthless” earned a New York’s Outer Critics Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical in 1993. It is essential when putting on a play like this to cast performers equally talented to these iconic movie stars. “Ruthless” has an all-female cast, so director Brett Young merely had to find six incredible actresses in the Oklahoma City area. Oklahoma is a phenomenal place with phenomenal talent—“Ruthless” done in OKC is easy to cast. We got the talent, just like little Tina. At The Boom we have the perfect cast.
At The Boom, it is traditional to cast one drag queen in a female role. When “Ruthless” first opened, the best audition for Sylvia St. Croix was given by Joel Vig, and it has become quite traditional although not necessary to cast a male in the role of Sylvia St. Croix. Two traditions with but a single character in Sylvia St. Croix. For Sylvia St. Croix, it was easy deciding who to cast: Brett Young! There is a little tiny catch here. Brett Young, director, is not the same person as Brett Young, the actor. Brett Alan Young does a masterful job directing “Ruthless” as well as owner/manager of The Boom. A familiar face at The Boom.under considerable makeup is Brett Everett Young. He does a fine job of creating Sylvia St. Croix as a drag queen.
Jodi Nestander (sitting) as Emily Black, Reporter, and Emily Etherton (standing and emoting gracefully) revealing Ginger Del Marco.
So with five incredible actresses and a drag queen “Ruthless” is ready to fly, and reaches incredible heights. Emily Etherton is brilliant as Judy Denmark, who discovers that she is really Ginger Del Marco. She has a voice, and a persona that is ideal and absolutely entertaining. Her daughter, Tina, is expertly played by Erin Heatly, another voice that astounds. Myrna Thorn is expertly played by Jodi Nestander, and also Nestander creates the role of Miss Black-completely different, but both ladies are outrageously funny with the uniquely Nestander touch. Tina’s rival, Louise Lerman is played beautifully by Jessa Schinske. Schinske has a wonderful range of expressions defining the smugness of the talentless Louise, creating an interesting counterpoint to Heatly’s Tina. Schinske follows this with her portrayal of Eve- conniving, unprincipled, assistant willing to do just about anything to destroy Miss Ginger DeMarco. The fifth actress plays the role of Lita Encore, theatre critic. As an actress she realizes what all actors think of critics, and what all critics think of actors. Anyone who has ever been both will tell you her performance is beyond truth, and with wit rather than wisdom she is wonderful to watch. She is Jessica Carabajal.
Sylvia St. Croix, played by Brett Everett Young is deftly done in drag. The decision to play Sylvia as a drag queen is quite appropriate and works in the play. Nevertheless, it would be lovely to see Young play Sylvia as the woman she was written to be. Either way, Young is definitely a delicious choice revealing his own ‘ruth’ as the truth.
The Boom has always been a little off-beat, as they specialize in ‘camp’ as well as LGBTQ oriented presentations; however they are growing into a more ‘legitimate’ theatre. Over the years the quality of production has refined resulting in very entertaining theatre for general adult audiences. The efforts of Brett Alan Young as director and Steven Elkins Kennedy in musical direction leading a bevy of talented actresses and actor are impressive.
As well as unique theatre fare, The Boom is a dinner theatre offering delicious dinner fare, and not only is the food good, the wait staff is superb. They are equally attentive and unobtrusive, allowing the performance to be enjoyed without interruption. The only distraction comes from a rather shaky spotlight!
“Ruthless” plays for another 5 weeks, with the final performance on Saturday, August 25, 2018. Curtain is 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Dinner is an optional benefit and is served beginning at 6:30, and can be enjoyed before as well as during the show. The Boom is located at 2218 NW 39th Street in Oklahoma City and tickets can be purchased on line at www.ticketstorm.com and click on Arts and Theatre.
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