Musical revue provides pleasant diversion

By Lorraine Lucciola, Standard-Times correspondent

You don't have to travel to a real movie theater to go to the movies or to cool off this summer, for that matter. Huh?

For the price of a single ticket, the Little Theatre of Fall River's Firebarn production, "Blame It On The Movies," offers a sampling of 30 years' worth of cinema attractions, performed in a delightfully air-conditioned, comfortable theater.

This show is absolutely enjoyable from start to finish. Under the artistic and musical direction of Jane Fiore-Bigelow, a tight ensemble of accomplished actors with magnificent musical ability maintain an easy ebb and flow in song, dance, drama and comedy.

Each cast member reveals a charming presence so completely that we find ourselves not paying much attention to the program for guidance. Before long, we know these people and can expect that "Man 1" or "Woman 2," for example, are the most likely choices to best pull off a certain moment.

If outright physical comedy is your thing, sit back and explode with laughter at the antics of Anthony DeRose. This young man is diligent in his acting and singing efforts, but just naturally funny. He is a visual delight in every way and capably tackles the serious moments, too.

Jessalyn Sadler (Usherette) practically grew up at the Little Theatre of Fall River, but she has certainly done much more than just become taller. She is a performing perfectionist, seeing to it that every piece of physical blocking and every note she sings is produced correctly. She rises to the occasion on stage as a sort of ensemble mascot, comically placed at the mercy of the others.

What you see is what you get in Michael Xavier, who appears in this, his second show with Little Theatre. He exudes straightforward innocence and gentleness, and gives us the pleasure of his pure, resonant vocal ability.

Cheryl Field is charismatic in her first appearance in a Little Theatre production. You will be moved, if not mesmerized, by her husky, emotive alto range.

Maryann Goulart is a solid addition to any cast. In this case, she can be "blamed" for nothing but the beauty of her heartfelt vocal delivery, comedic timing and focused acting.

Jen Harris is a powerhouse of talent and energy. Period! We immediately like her and are drawn throughout to her versatility in song, expression and movement.

Cathy Taitz has only to smile, focus her beautiful blue eyes on you, produce one lilting refrain with her incredible soprano and we're happily hooked. Mrs. Taitz, warm and soft-spoken, is one of those actor/singers who are just so "normal," on stage and off. She knows she can sing and just accepts it as what she calls, "a necessary part" of her life.

If you don't know Paul Allard and if you've never heard him sing, you're in for a truly moving first experience. Anytime is a good time to see him perform; he'll hypnotize you with his rich baritone voice and his sensitive layering of lyrics and vocal magnificence. He not only tells a story in a song, but also allows us to know the serious professional actor and comedian behind the voice.

"Blame It On The Movies" relies on creative musical vignettes and hilarious stage business to highlight Warner Brothers, Paramount and Universal film classics, including "Casablanca" (1942), "Hold That Ghost" (1941), "Sweater Girl"( 1942), and others. Upbeat offerings of tunes such as "As Time Goes By," "Tangerine," "I Don't Want to Walk Without You," and a Kalamazoo Medley, to name a few, begin an evening of fun and nostalgia.

A Jungle Medley brings us comic tuneful renditions of "The Road to Morocco" (1942), "Full Moon and Empty Arms" (1942) and more. "Dream" (1945) "The Fleet's In" (1942), "The More I See You" (1945), "You'll Never Know" (1943) and "The Best of Everything" (1959) among others, are also presented.

The "Fox in Love" Medley scans the romantic nostalgia of the '50s and '60s, including "April Love" (1957), "A Certain Smile" (1958), "An Affair to Remember" (1957), "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" (1955), and others.

A cleverly wacky start to Act II ushers us through the bold musical climate of the '60s and beyond including "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," "Help," "Goldfinger" and "What's New, Pussycat?"

"Oscar Losers" take center stage with "Let's Hear it For the Boy" (1984), "Miss Celie's Blues" (1985) and "It Might Be You" from the trend-setting film, "Tootsie" (1982).

The cast deliberately demonstrates outrageously bad acting with down-home whooping and hollering in the "Western Medley," including "On the Road Again" ("Honeysuckle Rose," 1979), "Mule Train" ("Singing Guns," 1950), "Blazing Saddles Theme" (1974) and others.

Strong ballads that evoke personal memories and bring tears to the eyes usher in the conclusion of this consummate musical trip down "movie lane."

Wonderful standards such as "Eternally" (1952), "The Way We Were" (1973), "All The Way" (1957) and "You Stepped Out of a Dream" (1941) sweep over us like gentle mist.

Mr. Allard's sensitive rendition of "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" (1982) and Mrs. Taitz's beautiful phrasing in the lover's plea, "Can You Read My Mind" (1978), close their solo moments.

Together, however, they are at their peak, forming a powerful and compassionate stage presence when they team for a lovely duet of the haunting, bittersweet message in "I Will Wait For You" (1965). Their vocal compatibility and emotional phrasing causes that delicious silence in a theater when two hearts and talents combine.

"Blame It On The Movies" is a simple, relaxed, whimsical piece of summer theater. Ms. Fiore-Bigelow, assisted by choreographer Jen Harris and stage manager, Kathy Castro, enable a cast of just eight performers to deliver enough talent and superb vocal skill to see us through another 30 years of cinematic memories!

"Blame It On the Movies" continues at 8 tonight through Saturday, and will be performed at 7 Sunday at The Firebarn, 340 Prospect St. at Highland Avenue, Fall River. Tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 12 and under. Group discounts are available. For reservations and information, call (508) 675-1852.

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