Review: ‘Victor Victoria’ opens at Forestburgh

By TOM KANE

FORESTBURGH, NY — I had a tough assignment last Monday evening when I was asked to write a review of the new musical at the Forestburgh Playhouse, “Victor Victoria.”

What was tough about it was that I had to do the review based on the company’s technical/dress rehearsal and not the complete, continuous production.

The reason had more to do with the paper’s deadline than with the company’s production schedule. Because of the many directorial interruptions, the rehearsal, after starting around 7:45 p.m., would not conclude until the wee hours of the morning.

So, here is my review based on the first act only.

I’ll begin by saying that I intend to go back and see the entire production because it was that good. I want to know how it all turned out.

Victor/Victoria, played with marvelous aplomb by Kelly Jeanne Grant, is a female playing a male playing a female.

Confused?

No need to be. Victoria Grant, who is trying to make it in Paris, is an English actress who can’t make it as an actress and decides to be a female impersonator, a female playing a male playing a female.

She becomes an overnight sensation and the star of the Café Lui on the left bank.

The cast that impresario Norman Duttwieler has brought together at the playhouse is impressive.

I might even say fabulous.

There’s Grant playing the dual role with winsome charm, dramatic know-how and vocal skill.

Then, in the other star role is Playhouse veteran Michael Ianucci, playing the indefatigable Carroll Todd, Victoria’s agent and companion. (“I’m gay!” he says to Victoria, easing her anxieties.)

I have watched this fine actor/comedian for a few years now and I love his easy manner on stage, his impeccable timing and steady, dependable voice.

Bronwyn Stayoch, in the role of the inevitable dumb blond, sexy bombshell Norma Cassidy, is more than sufficiently seductive to her lover, King Marchan, played by Michael Scott, who is more enamored of Victoria than her.

The entire production of “Victor Victoria” is wrapped up in a dynamic package of comely chorus girls and boys who dance wildly and sing beautifully.

The score by Henry Mancini, though not especially memorable, provides an energetic vehicle for the talents that interpret it.

So, my advise is to beat a ready path to The Forestburgh Playhouse this week and next. The production will run to Sunday, July 25. Tickets can be obtained by calling 845/794-1194.