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If you think the recent hot weather has been tough to cope with, spare a thought for the characters in this musical.

During a summer drought, members of a farming community are sweating about their futures and their crops as the temperature hits 110 in the shade.

But then hope walks into town in the form of a handsome stranger who pledges to make it rain – for the right price.

He also takes a fancy to the last single woman left in the community – instantly ending the drought in her heart.

The ‘rainmaker,’ Bill Starbuck, is a con man, of course, and many of his promises are as false as his made up name. But he is played with such charisma by Skylar Adams that you can’t help rooting for him.

David Crane as kind-hearted innocent Jimmy Curry is another standout performer who really elevates the show.

The problem with this old fashioned musical, first performed in 1963, is that it seems so dated and sexist now – presenting the woman characters as only good for cooking, cleaning and sewing and one musical number, The Hungry Men, is especially cringe worthy in that regard.

But it’s all so well done and fun that it wins the audience over and will send you toe tapping into the heat outside with a song in your heart and a smile on your face.

110 In The Shade

Presented by Actors Co-op

Directed by Richard Israel

At Crossley Theatre, 1760 N. Gower Street, Hollywood, CA
90028

Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2.30pm until June 15 2014.

Tickets $34 regular admission, $30 seniors, $25 students from 323 462 8460 or ActorsCo-op.org

CREDITS

Book by Richard Nash

Music by Harvey Schmidt

Lyrics by Tom Jones

Produced by David Scales

Cast (in alphabetical order) Nicholas Acciani, Skylar Adams, Emily Armstrong, David Crane, Alex Denney, Michael Downing, Julie Hall, Rachel Hirshee, Tim Hodgin, Jason Peter Kennedy, Mark Ostrander, Rory Patterson, Courtney Potter, Colby Salmon, Treva Tegtmeier.

Musical Direction – Bryan Blaskie

Choreography – Julie Hall

Scenic Design – Stephen Gifford

Costume Design – Vicki Conrad

Lighting Design – Mark Svastics

Sound Design – Cameron Combe

Stage Manager – Lauren Goyer

Publicity – Nan McNamara

Photos – Lindsay Schnebly

Brits in LA Book

Photo of Sandro by Dawn Bowery from the book California Dreaming: Brits in LA Book

Thespian Thoughts is a theatre review article on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.

Pepper Jay Productions LLC

 

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