November 24, 2015 – Dames at Sea, a musical which is truly “at sea” looking for a port. A new Musical at the (Second Stage) Helen Hayes Theatre by George Haimsohn (6/12/1925 – 1/17/2003) and Robin Miller (2/15/1928 – 12/16/2010) (book and lyrics) and Jim Wise (4/24/1919 –  11/13/2000) (music). Opening Night – October 22, 2015; Closing January 3, 2016.

The story of a troupe of actors attempting to put on a show with an overwrought director Hennesey (John Bolton) dealing with a (washed up) primma Donna Mona Kent (Lesli Margherita) and the wrecking crew about to tear down the venue. Faced with overwhelming odds the decision is made to move the show to the WW II Naval ship, thanks to two sailors Dick (Cary Tedder) and Lucky (Danny Gardner) on shore leave who come to the theatre to visit girl friends. The girls, Joan (Mara Davi) and Ruby (Eloise Kropp) play the newly arrived girl from out of town getting her lucky break and the old hand helping the new girl. The second act, moves the action from the theatre to the naval vessel with John Bolton doubling as the ship’s Captain. The show must go on!

Why is it that shows that would make a great off-Broadway productions get seduced by the allure of Broadway and fail? It is a disservice to the fine actors to take a show that has a lot of potential and put it in a place it does not belong. Did the Beatles belong at Carnegie Hall – No; the shoud perform at Radio City Music Hall or Maddison Square Garden!

This is a small charming show with lots of energy and excellent performances by the actors and very good choreography and direction (both by the very talented and Tony winner, Randy Skinner). Randy won a Tony for 42nd Street and brings some of the elements of that show into Dames at Sea (the Broadway newbie making good).

The Helen Hayes Theatre (built in 1912), smallest of the Broadway Theatres at 597 seats was acquired in the spring of 2015 by Second Stage and this is the first performance under the new ownership following the long running Rock of Ages. It is a shame that it is unlikely to last. Adding a chorus and beefing up the story line, would give it more of a chance to stand out and make it on Broadway. As a small off-Broadway show, it could well find its niche.

The actors – John Bolton (Hennesey & The Captain) was seen in – A Christmas Story, Curtains, Spamalot, Contact, Titanic, How to Succeed…, and Damn Yankees brings just the right amount of pathos and anxt to the director and the suave Captain. Lesli Margherita as the Primma Donna Mona Kent is the weakest of the cast, but brings a good portrayal of the “has been” that doesn’t know when to “hang it up”. She comes off a successful run in Matilda the Musical and Zorro The Musical (for which she received an Olivier Award for her West End performance). The girls – Mara Davi as Joan (White Christmas, The Drowsy Chaperone and A Chorus Line); and Eloise Kropp as Ruby (Just off On The Town) dance and sing very convincingly and with lots of energy. The sailors – Danny Gardner as Lucky (Broadway debut) and Cary Tedder as Dick (The Times they are A-Changin’, Memphis, Big Fish and Honeymoon in Vegas) complement the skills of the girls.

In conclusion, a good little show that is well performed and directed, but needs more substance to the story and either belongs in a smaller venue or needs a chorus and more ‘pizazz’ to be on Broadway.