Spiffy Spoof

A “spoof” can be like “performance art”--it doesn’t have to be perfect if it makes some kind of point.

“Dames at Sea,” now playing at the Marquie Dinner Theater in Camarillo, is, one might hope, a spoof. Specifically, the show (which premiered on Broadway in 1969) parodies movie musicals of the ‘30s and ‘40s. You know, those starring the likes of Jane Powell, Ruby Keeler and Ginger Rogers, specifically 1933’s “42nd Street.” If you’re too young to remember them, you’ll miss part of the fun.

Fading star Mona is hoping to make her big comeback in a new musical. But there’s trouble backstage, not all of it resulting from Mona’s ego. One of the dancers is injured and forced to bow out, the show’s songs aren’t all that strong and there are money problems.

In walks Ruby, a naive young girl from Centerville, Utah. “I just got off the bus,” she announces, “and I want to be a Broadway star.”

Enter Dick, an on-leave sailor who dabbles in songwriting, and a shipmate nicknamed “Lucky,” and the story pretty well writes itself.

The Marquie production is directed by Rick Steinberg, with Cheryl Talbot as musical director and pianist, and choreography by Adrea Gibbs. They do what they can--George Haimsohn and Robin Miller’s book leaps purposefully from one cliche to another--abetted by a cast armed with talent and enthusiasm. And if a person overplays or trips on the scenery, or the dancers aren’t always in step--well, it’s a spoof, isn’t it?

Dick and Ruby, the romantic leads, are played effectively by Hank Florence and Beth Frazier; both are more than adequate singers, as well. James Paul Xavier is amusing as Lucky (think Gene Kelly); Janice Schuss makes much of aging diva Mona (you might be reminded of Wendie Malick’s character Nina in the TV series “Just Shoot Me”); George Peckham plays both the musical’s stage manager and the captain of Dick and Lucky’s ship; and Robin Navlyt and Susan Robb portray other singers in the show.

Once begun, “Dames at Sea” lasts a frisky two hours.

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DETAILS

“Dames at Sea” continues Thursday through Saturday evenings through Nov. 27 at the Marquie Dinner Theater, 340 Mobil Ave. in Camarillo. Tickets are $35 (ask about discounts for seniors, children and groups), which includes the show, a buffet dinner with choice of entrees, nonalcoholic beverages, tax and tip. A cash bar is available. For reservations (mandatory) or more information, call 484-9909.

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Bargain “Chicks” Preview: The Laurel Theatre Company’s production of John Ford Noonan’s “A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking” opens officially Saturday night. But the company is offering low-priced previews tonight, Friday and Saturday afternoon.

The comedy is set in a suburban New York kitchen, when a woman meets her chatty new neighbor from Texas. Hilarity, no doubt, ensues.

The ticket prices go up next week.

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DETAILS

“A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking” previews tonight and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Laurel Theatre, 1006 E. Main St. in Ventura. Preview tickets are $20; $15, students and seniors; and $10, senior and student groups.

Tickets for the gala opening at 7 p.m. Saturday are $75, which includes the play, valet parking and a party in a private home after the play.

Regular ticket prices are $32.50 at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, $27.50 at 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A $5 discount is available for seniors and students, except on opening night. The play runs through Nov. 21.

For reservations or further information, call 667-2900.

Todd Everett can be reached at teverett@concentric.net.