Over-the-top characters give comic life to campy ‘Ruthless!’ | Review
Like an aging diva, it appears “Ruthless!” has had some nips and tucks since last seen at Winter Park Playhouse in 2011. The running time of the campy musical is significantly shorter, and an entire character has vanished.
But these changes are all for the best, as it allows this silly spoof of movies such as “The Bad Seed” and “All About Eve” to clip along a little more briskly.
The show still has something of an identity crisis in that creator Joel Paley can’t seem to decide who is the actual protagonist. It opens with talent agent Sylvia St. Croix narrating, but the focus quickly shifts to precocious young Tina Denmark, an 8-year-old starlet, before then putting the spotlight squarely on her mother, a seemingly average housewife who turns out to be full of secrets.
Actually, everyone is keeping secrets in this show, which gives the performers juicy material. And it’s the performances, directed by Roy Alan, that make “Ruthless” enjoyable. Who will chew the most scenery? It’s a close contest.
Kevin Kelly is a drag-tastic delight as Sylvia, the brassy agent determined to make li’l Tina a star as he nails every cocked eyebrow, icy glare and snide aside. The only person more determined to make Tina a star is Tina herself, and actor Paisley Rayle finds a delightful blend of Shirley Temple and the Children of the Corn in her terrifying tot.
Rebecca Fisher gets to display the most range, at first demure, later as ruthless as the rest, and sells both personalities with aplomb.
The show really could use more of Lita Encore, a no-punches-pulled theater critic who hates musicals. (I mean, everyone knows theater critics are fascinating people, right?) As Lita, Cami Miller barges onto the stage with a comic bullhorn of a voice and an eye on the bourbon.
The other supporting actors make an impact, too: Shir Love as Tina’s rival, Stefanie Diaz as Tina’s frustrated-actor teacher and Hannah McGinley Lemasters as a peculiarly intense personal assistant named Eve… as in “All About…”
With 1 year left on lease, Winter Park Playhouse move takes new turn
If you don’t know that reference, this might not be the show for you as the fun relies in part on the audience’s appreciation for such over-the-top melodramas of yesteryear. And the playwright’s desire to spoof different movies adds to the fuzzy-focus feeling of watching the story unfold.
On the other hand, the musical-theater references, especially to “Gypsy,” and show-biz jokes might appeal to non-movie buffs: “I hate mime,” one character exclaims. “Everyone does” comes the deadpan answer.
Music director’s Christopher Leavy’s trio does justice to Marvin Laird’s peppy tunes, and C.J. Sikorski’s set makes a handsome playground.
Take special note of Tay Anderson’s costumes, complemented by Rich Kuntz’s perfectly-on-point wigs. Anderson has an eye for detail: The rhinestones on a teacher’s glasses, the perfect pastel belt and pale-blue headband for Judy. The trailing scarf from Sylvia’s dramatic black-and-white ensemble, the touch of sparkle to Lita’s royal purple.
Not only are the outfits gorgeous, they say something about their wearers.
The costumes are a mighty fine, and highly appropriate, way to gussy up this flawed but funny show that ultimately succeeds through style over substance.
‘Ruthless!’
Length: 2:10, including intermission
Where: Winter Park Playhouse, 711 Orange Ave. in Winter Park
When: Through Oct. 15
Cost: $39-$46, with discounts for students, active military and entertainment-industry workers
Info: winterparkplayhouse.org
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more arts news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/arts, and go to orlandosentinel.com/theater for theater news and reviews.
