‘Blondes’ bombshell

Monticello’s upcoming production of ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ is funny and charming

By RICHARD A. ROSS

MONTICELLO, NY — Looking to enliven the stage and provide an evening of comedy for audiences, in these times of shortfalls and troubling world issues, Monticello drama director Jennifer Romano picked the perfect vehicle in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” based on the book by Anna Loos and adapted to the stage by Kristin Sergei.

The show will be performed at Monticello High School on December 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.

The 1953 movie, which catapulted Marilyn Monroe to the pinnacle of stardom as she vamped about the stage with co-star Jane Russell, is a comedy classic and it was Monroe’s memorable performance that got Romano thinking about changing the tone from last year’s intense production of the Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible” to something lighter.

Daria Coney stars as Lorelei Lee who, along with cohort Dorothy, adeptly played by Liza MacEntee, find themselves in a series of misadventures during their trip to Paris. The cast is strengthened by the performances of Erik Mayberg as Mr. Lee, Evan Nolan as Lorelei’s flame Henry Spoffard III, Mary Setran as Mrs. Spofford and Lauren Katz as the sniping, sarcastic Miss Chapman. Sarah Klein adds color as Aunt Dolly, the radical feminist, while Dominic Carmeci and Tanner Wuerthner provide foils as would-be suitors Sam and Bert respectively.

Look for the sultry Emma Cohen, whose facial expressions bring the character of Sylvia to life, and her mother, played by Amy Conway, as a credible Mrs. Van Osborne. Other supporting cast members add dimension to the production that features many seniors who are veterans of the stage.

The play, set in the Roaring Twenties, has numerous roaring gaffs. It is produced by Kevin Dirth. Former Monticello standout Emily Billig returns as assistant to director Romano. Tim Buckley provides the stunning sets, lights and sound. Costumes are by Anne Carmeci.

Visit riverreportersports.com for an album of photos by clicking on photos on the front page. That will take you to the album. CDs featuring photos from the entire production can be purchased for $25 dollars. Send a check payable to The River Reporter, P.O. Box 150 Narrowsburg, NY 12764.