Theatre UCF’s
production of “Of Thee I Sing” proves the musical still has relevance, even 90 years later, writes Matthew J. Palm.
The country is roiled by talk of immigrant labor and “the dirty work of Russia.” The Supreme Court decides other things are more important than justice. A presidential candidate uses popular entertainment to appeal to voters’ emotions, eschewing their intelligence.
Once elected, he makes a mess of his cabinet, and becomes hostile with the press. As the country starts to turn on him, the new president suggests regaining his fans’ affection with a tour giving them the same old song and dance.
Such is the story line of “Of Thee I Sing,” a sharp parody of American politics and the latest musical to grace the stage at Theatre UCF. And before anyone gets their knickers in a twist about attacks on the current president, bear in mind the show was written in 1931. Yep, 1931. The more things change…, etc.
The fact “Of Thee I Sing” feels ripped from today’s headlines just adds to the humor in UCF’s stylish, laugh-a-minute production.
The first musical to win a Pulitzer Prize, “Of Thee I Sing” has an impressive pedigree: It’s co-written by George S. Kaufman (“You
What: ”Of Thee I Sing” Length: 2:45, including intermission When: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; through Oct. 22 Where: Theatre UCF at the University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando Cost: $20 Call: 407-823-5000 Can’t Take It With You,” “The Man Who Came to Dinner”). The catchy music and fun lyrics (rhyming “quinces” with “blintzes”!) are by George and Ira Gershwin.
Theatre UCF does those luminaries justice. Jokes consistently land, the choreography by Mayme Paul perfectly captures the feel of old-time American musical extravaganzas, and director Mark Brotherton has assembled a cast that commits to the material with gusto.
Kyle Laing does much to keep the energy level high as comic motormouth Matthew Fulton, a slick political operative. Kent Collins adds a hefty dose of humor as the invisible vice president, and Joseph Edward Herr smartly keeps his dim-bulb presidential candidate likable. As his love interest, charming Jennifer Totcky finds some modern edge for her dated character.
Back in the day, theatergoers had longer attention spans so “Of Thee I Sing” feels long in the second act. Luckily, when it starts to go flat, actor Mikey Reichert puts the fizz back into the fun with a crowd-pleasing performance as a ridiculous French ambassador.
My heart soared as I walked out to hear a group of young women excitedly analyzing the show, and how its Depression-era roots are reflected in characters’ sexist attitudes. One woman concluded: “It’s from the 1930s… but it’s funnier today.”
It’s still funny, as the saying goes, because it’s true.