F. J. Hartland

Director Scott Wise has given the Conservatory Theatre Company of Point Park University another huge triumph with the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Set in 1922 in New York City, Thoroughly Modern Millie follows the trials and tribulations of a young girl from Kansas who wants to become a “modern woman” and find love.  With a book by Richard Morris and Dick Scanlan and new music and lyrics by Scanlan and Jeanine Tesori, the musical is based on the film of the same name.

My only complaint is that Act One is a little long, but that is not the fault of Wise and his spirited cast.  And for those of you who read my reviews, it’s that’s my only gripe, then it must be a pretty marvelous production.

Tall and leggy Jessica Ernest plays Millie.  Not only does she have the ideal look of a 20’s flapper, she can really belt out a tune.  She totally wowed the audience by belting out “Gimme, Gimmee.”

Leah Fox is hysterically funny as the evil Mrs. Meers.  When Fox is “on,” she is brilliant.  Now if she could make her performance consistent, she could get applause at each and every one of her exits and steal the show.

Sam Tanabe and Adam Soniak are charming as the brothers Ching Ho and Bun Foo who serve as Mrs. Meers’ flunkies.

As night club chanteuse Muzzy, Jaclyn McSpadden has an amazing voice, and her presence lights up the entire stage.

In the role of office manager Miss Flannery, Elissa DeMaria is a delight and proves there’s no such thing as a “small” role.

And as is typical in a Point Park production, the chorus is high-energy and oozes with talent.

The art deco set by Michael Thomas Essad is stunning and glides effortlessly from scene to scene.  Costumes by Don Difonso capture the feel of the Roaring Twenties (although I do question the color palette of Millie’s outfits).  Choreographer Jeremy Czarniak (who also serves as assistant director) puts the dancers through their paces; while I usually am blasé about dance,  I was mesmerized.

The orchestra (under the baton of Douglas Levine) is spectacular, giving Thoroughly Modern Millie a rich, lush sound.

From the opening moments to the choreographed curtain call, Scott Wise and the Conservatory Company give Pittsburgh audiences a show well worth seeing.  It is a delight to the eye and the ear.  Be sure to put it on your “Must See” List!

Thoroughly Modern Millie runs through November 7.