By Mark A. Nobles/Special to the Times-Review
— The Plaza Theatre Company opens its fourth season with the 2002 Tony Award winning musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
It is hard to believe that in just three short seasons Plaza Theatre has matured into one of the best and most entertaining theater groups in the Metroplex.
The Siler and Barrus families consistently stage well-acted, beautifully costumed productions with breathtakingly designed sets.
These people know their audience and time and again mount productions that rival any professional or regional theater from Waco to the Red River.
More importantly, they are well connected with the local acting-talent pool.
The Plaza has nurtured the finest local talent and is able to convince actors from around the Metroplex to make the drive to Cleburne for rehearsals and performances.
Cleburne is fortunate to have such a high quality performance group, and the Downtown Cleburne Association should be congratulated on bringing the group to town.
It is obvious by the capacity to near capacity crowds the Plaza regularly draws that the hard work and talent are appreciated by the local community.
“Thoroughly Modern Millie” follows the misadventures of Midwesterner Millie Dillmount in her escape to the Big Apple.
Set in the middle of the Roaring ’20s, Millie comes to New York to seek her fame by marrying for money, not love.
This is a thoroughly modern outlook for the 1920s, when few women joined the workforce.
Millie begins to enjoy the flapper lifestyle, but problems occur when she checks into a hotel owned by the leader of a white slavery ring in China.
Millie, played by Courtney Sikora, manages a sweet, yet sometimes gritty, singing voice perfectly suited to the jazz-tinged numbers. Millie is innocent but head strong, and Sikora embodies the role.
Longtime Plaza leading man Kyle Adams plays young Jimmy Smith, a paper clip salesman with a taste for adventure.
Adams strikes the right note as a young bon vivant with a heart of gold.
Greg Burton as Mr. Trevor Graydon, Millie’s boss and the object of her marriage for money scheme, has a show-stopping moment with his duet “Sweet Mystery/I’m Falling in Love with Someone.”
Burton’s performance is both comical and heartwarming throughout his time on stage.
The bulk of the comic relief falls to Caleb White and G. Aaron Siler as the Chinese henchmen Ching Ho and Bun Foo.
Both speak only “Chinese” with subtitles projected on the stage. Think two-thirds of an Asian version of the Three Stooges, and you pretty much get the idea. This is meant as a high compliment.
The villain of the proceeding is Mrs. Meers, played by Heather Fobar.
Mrs. Meers is a failed Jersey actress impersonating a Chinese matron, and Fobar chews up the stage with her performance.
Fobar’s outstanding voice is showcased in the number “Muqin.”
Long-time Plaza favorite Darcy Farrington is her usual delightful self as the singer and girl about town Muzzy Van Hossmere.
Farrington’s strong, lilting voice is showcased in “Only in New York.”
Special recognition goes to choreographer Jill Baker and the ensemble for their performance of “The Nuttycracker Suite.”
Never has so much energy and rhythm been emitted from a group of seated stenographers.
If you are one of the few Johnson County residents who has not experienced the fun of live theater at The Plaza, now would be a good time to be initiated.
“Thoroughly Modern Millie” is more fun than a back-door speakeasy on a Friday night.
Performances of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” continue through March 20. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, with two performances Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
For information, call 817-202-0600 or visit www.plaza-theatre.com.
