Come and find out why fools fall in love
Musical opens Jan. 26
CHICO >> In 1956 Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers asked a question in their iconic song “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?”
The question wasn't answered, but on Jan. 26, 2024 four talented women will take the stage at the Chico Theater Company to attempt to answer the question in the play “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?”
The play features popular pop-hits from the 1960s such as “My Boy Lollipop,” “I Will Follow Him,” “You Don't Have to Say You Love Me,” “Hey There Lonely Boy and of course “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?”
“These girls sound amazing. I'm blown away by how good they are,” said director Marc Edson.
Edson's wife Kathy Edson is an assistant director for the show. Marc Edson has directed more than 40 plays at Chico Theater Company and he also serves as the theater's executive director and managing director, and he produces all of the shows.
Operations Manager Randy Ross will be running lights and sound for the production.
Kathy Edson also provided the set decorations and was in charge of costumes.
“I love the wardrobe Kathy selected,” Marc Edson said. “It's fun to step back in time. Kathy is in love with mid century modern decor.”
Tamara Allspaugh serves as musical director for the show and Sheree Henning choreographed. Roger Bean wrote the show and the music.
Actress Alyssa Jade plays Sally in the play.
“It's so amazing working with such a small cast,” Jade said. “We get cohesive together. We connect while working on the songs. We listen to each other so well.”
Jade performed in “First Date” last year at Chico Theater Company and also performed in “She Kills Monsters” at Theatre on the Ridge and “Lizze the Musical” at Meriam Park Barn.
Jade became friends with Kelsey Campbell, who plays Millie, after they both attended an audition for “Lizzie the Musical.” They knew who each other was but hadn't officially met.
“We were sitting next to each other and giving each other side eye,” Jade said. “Then Kelsey leaned over and said `I stalked you on social media.' We started talking and became super close after that.”
Campbell said she was “terribly intimidated” when she first saw the script for “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?'
“Seeing the script with 19 songs was terrifying,” she said. “Most of us are singing 17-18 songs. Each song has intricate four part harmonies.”
Campbell acted in “Annie” at CTC five years ago, but took a long break during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” is her return to theater. Her last role was in “She Kills Monsters” at Chico State in late 2019 and she received her Bachelor of Arts in musical theater at Chico State.
“This is my first show after such a long hiatus and it's so exciting,” Campbell said. “I feel gorgeous in this show as the perfect 1960s housewife.”
Campbell said the title question is answered in the show.
“Each girl has their own answer to that question,” she said. “We all have wildly different journeys with love throughout the show. It's a beautiful thing to experience love even if you are foolish.”
In the play, the year is 1966 and 20-something Millie is getting married. She and her best friend Sally and two other friends are all attending a spontaneous bachelorette party for Millie, according to a Chico Theater Company brochure.
“Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” begins Jan. 26 and runs through Feb. 18. Chico Theater Company is located at 166 East Eaton Road, No. F. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and there is a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28 for adults and $25 for seniors and youth and can be purchased at www.chicotix. com or at www.chicotheater.com or by calling the theater phone number at 530-894-3282.