Theater Reviews : Style and Spice: That’s What ‘Me and My Girl’ Are Made Of

A period musical gem like Noel Gay’s “Me and My Girl” can look deceptively simple to actors and directors. But there’s style to consider, the right musical feel, and a leading role that requires a knack for high comedy, plus a good knowledge of British music-hall shtick.

In this production at Saddleback College’s McKinney Theatre, despite some sizable flaws, those needs are mostly met.

The company has absorbed the style, particularly in the chorus. There is little or no overplaying--trying to be oh-so-British, doncha know. And musical director Lee Kreter has an ear for the tricky, bouncy sound and tempos of the late ‘30s in London. It sounded different than the Broadway of that era, and Kreter knows that. His guidance shows in the sparkling musical segments.

Randy Rogel, who also directed the production, plays Bill Snibson with panache, juggles the music-hall bits effortlessly, and has a winning way with both a gag line and the bright melodies.

If Rogel the actor had had another director, he might look even better. Perhaps he was involved in some directorial diversions and didn’t notice that the book sections move much too slowly. They’re well-formed but don’t always have the spark, the lighter-than-air brashness they need.

Rogel’s supporting cast is just fine.

Kathi Gillmore couldn’t be more right as Sally, the Lambeth slum girl Bill can’t leave behind when he learns he’s really the heir to the title of Lord Hareford. She has an entrancing comic edge and a strong musical-comedy vocal sound that’s as right for her touching “Once You Lose Your Heart” as it is for both her Lambeth drawl and her Mayfair honey after she’s been polished up.

Helen Geller’s Maria, Duchess of Dene, Snibson’s aunt, is at once imperious and warm, aggressive and loving of her new project of making Bill worthy of the title. Stan Throneberry’s Colonel Blimp of a Sir John, from pompous to gruff to accommodating, perfectly balances Geller’s feisty dowager.

Richard Comeau tries very hard as attorney Parchester but doesn’t make nearly as much as he could out of the giddy “Family Solicitor.” But both Meredith Woodson and Bart McHenry are delightful, funny and sing up a storm in “Thinking of No One but Me” as Bill’s cousins, both with varying designs on the estate.

The big number in the show, outside of the ‘30s hit “Love Makes the World Go ‘Round,” is, of course, the gaudy, infectious “Lambeth Walk” that ends Act I.

The leads, supports and the chorus have a ball with it, but the number has less of the effect it could have because of the muddled, unorganized-looking and tepid choreography of Susan Errickson.

* “Me and My Girl,” McKinney Theatre, Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Thursdays-Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Saturdays-Sundays, 3 p.m. Ends July 24. $17. (714) 582-4656. Running time: 2 hours, 50 minutes. Randy Rogel: Bill Snibson

Kathi Gillmore: Sally Smith

Helen Geller: Maria, Duchess of Dene

Stan Throneberry: Sir John Tremayne

Bart McHenry: The Honorable Gerald Bolingbroke

Meredith Woodson: Lady Jaqueline Carstone

Richard Comeau: Herbert Parchester

A Saddleback College production of Noel Gay’s musical comedy. Directed by Randy Rogel. Musical director: Lee Kreter. Choreography: Susan Errickson. Scenic design: Wally Huntoon. Costume design: Charles M. Castagno. Lighting design: Kevin Cook. Sound design: David Edwards. Production stage manager: Nancy Staiger.