The Boy Friend

The charming roaring 20’s musical presented by Richmond Players invites the audience on a trip to the Riviera and the audience happily accept. At an almost sold out matinee in the Richmond School of Arts there was clapping and singing along to a number of familiar jazzy tunes including “Won’t you to Charleston with me” and “I Could Be Happy With You”. 

The story opens at a posh finishing school for young ladies on French Riviera. Here most of the cast act as the ensemble of boy crazy school chums, abuzz during carnival time, led by poor little rich girl Polly Browne (Gabrielle Walker) who is determined not to be loved for daddy’s millions. 

The Boyfriend is a girl meets boy (even though said girl is forbidden to meet any boys) but alas is confused by mistaken identities along with mayhem, merriment, and a bit of ham (injected by the supporting cast). It is cavalier and it is frivolous, yet it’s a lot of fun and it is probably what we need to finish out 22. Directors Katrina Ann Pritchard Stutz and Carol Wimmer successfully present a light and bright entertaining romp. 

Walker is great to watch as Polly as was fellow student Maisie (Lilly Belle Stutz). The students did most of the dancing with simple and easily managed choreography also by Stutz. The exception being the featured dancers, Lolita and Pepe, pulling out all the steps with an exceptional tango choreographed by Veronica Beattie George.

Cheeky Hortense (Rachel Crew) was a crowd favourite with her comedic timing and body language as was the case with the hen-pecked Lord Brockhurst (Michael Eadie) and Lady Brockhurst (Penny Johnson). 

Simple sets allowed for a flowing performance uninterrupted by scene changes from a school, to the beach and the carnival. A set highlight was in the final act, a gorgeous moon and pretty little stars twinkling from the sky. The costume palette of perfectly pastel meshed well with the set, while hair and 20’s accessories were perfection. 

The musical standout was Madame Dubonnet’s (Nina Orel) Poor Little Pierrette, Although there were a few microphone problems, it was no doubt down to opening hiccups. 

It certainly was nice to settle down with a delightful array of petite treats and sandwiches during both intervals (yes there are 2) and a cuppa but don’t dilly dally as the food is whisked away before the lights dim for act 3.

Director Stutz notes in the program, “it is hard not leave happy” and that was the case with smiles aplenty as the jazzy ensemble, wonderfully led by MD Meera Webster, finished the afternoon off with a bang. 

Nicole Smith

Images: Tatiana Rose Makeup & Photography.