'Dames' Proves to Be 'Sea' Worthy

 Monica Rose, sports editor

Waves spread threw the audience when the light dimmed in the theater and the orchestra began to play.

The South Plains College theater program presented “Dames at Sea,” a musical comedy, March 2-5 in the Theater For the Performing Arts.

Not only did the orchestra impress me with the music, while the acting and singing abilities of the cast impressed me as well. I was amazed at how well the cast pulled the audience into their little world of singing, dancing and comedy.

Gene Cole, assistant professor of the theater arts, served as director and produced one amazing show that actually involved the audience.

I was extremely impressed with one character, Moana Kent, played by Audra Methvin. She not only had one of the most mesmerizing alto voices I have ever heard, her acting ability was outstanding. One song that stood out was a song in the first act, titled “That Mister Man of Mine.” I just can’t believe how funny she was. I kept thinking about how her character reminded me of Miss Piggy from the Muppets.

Another main character I was impressed with was Joan, played by Ashley McNeely. Joan was the comedian of the group, always coming up with a new idea or joke. She really made me laugh.

The musical was about a girl named Ruby, played by Marissa Eisenhauer, who was from a small city and wanted to be a star on Broadway. She ends up falling in love with a sailor, Dick, played by Leon Eldridge, who also falls in love with her. Dick also has dreams of making it big on Broadway. This obsession leads him right into the arms of Moana Kent, a famous Broadway actress. Ruby ends up working as moana’s understudy. Hennesey, played by James Graham, confessed that the theater is about to be torn down. The characters soon realize they have no place to open the show.  Moana decides that her friend, the captain of a battleship, played by Brett Aiken, could host the play on his ship. Eventually everything is saved, and Joan marries Lucky, played by Skylar Stevens. Dick marries Ruby, and the captain marries moan Kent.

The music, along with the choreography, was astonishing and must have taken a lot of work. Providing choreography for the production were Karen Reams and Susan Daniel.

The orchestra music, conducted by Jon Johnson, was beautiful. It really inspired me. This musical really impressed me, and I would see it again in a heartbeat. The cast and crew did an excellent job.