Jeffrey B. Moss directs Frank Loesser’s seldom produced play/ opera , “Most Happy Fella” at the North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, through July 5th. This reimaged version is filled with heart, gorgeous operatic voices and a strong ensemble headed by Gregory North and Lauren Weinberg who provide the sentiment expressed through song and deeds.
The premise, while a bit iffy, tells of an older gent (North) Tony a grape grower, from Napa Valley who falls in love (at first sight) with a younger waitress, Amy (Lauren Weinberg) while dining in San Francisco where she waits tables. He is ready to marry and have many children. They correspond with each other and after a while he asks her to come to Napa Valley and marry him. Afraid she might find him too old, Tony sends a picture of his foreman Joel (a superb Chris Hunter) to her, and you can guess what happens when she arrives in Napa.
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| Jacob Cartrider, Andrew Hey, Morgan Hollingsworth, Eli Wood |
There are about 30 musical numbers (not listed in the program) in Leosser's score, some familiar (“Standing On The Corner”) sung by a talented harmonizing group of ‘farmhands’ (Jacob Caltrider, Morgan Hollingsworth, Eli Wood and Andrew Hey), all excellent.
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| Shinah and Andrew Hay |
Hay and his wife Shinah Hey provide most of the humor. Bethany Slomka (Hairspray) is Marie, Tony’s older sister who has her doubts about his marrying someone young puts the wrong ideas in Tony's head to the detriment of their relationship. Let’s say she’s a bit jealous. Others in the ensemble include Isabelle Simone Pizzurro and Tori Hitchcock.
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| Gregory Martin as Tony |
A piano on either side of the stage (Elan McMahan, who is also musical director, and Justin Gray) afford the live music. Jason Maddy takes on the roles of several characters…and who knew? He has a lovely voice as well. All in all, ‘Fella’ , at NCR, is a well -conceived, and handsome show with lots of heart.
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| Gregory North and Lauren Weinberg |
Marty Burnett designed the functional set with sliding doors opening out to Tony’s farm (Matt Fitzgerald, projections) Matthew Novotny’s lighting design changed with the seasons and times of day, Alina Bokovikova’s costumes suited the characters well, Tristan King is credited with the sound design which happened to be quite clear on opening night, Meg Woodley, provided the wigs, Melissa Glasgow acted as choreographer and Michael Wogulis, props. Vernon Willet, is production stage manager.
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| Cast with Lauren Weinberg in center |
“It’s everyone’s favorite musical they’ve never seen."
Congrats to North Coast Rep for dusting off “Happy Fella” and bringing us an evening of fun and entertainment. Now we can see it!
Enjoy.
See you at the theatre.
When Runs through July 5th 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays
Where: North Coast Repertory Theatre, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive, Solana Beach
Tickets: $68.50-$90.50
Photo: Aaron Rumley
Phone: 858-481-1055
Online: northcoastrep.org
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