South Street
The Pasadena Playhouse opened their new season with the debut of South Street - A New Musical Comedy written by Craig Carlisle with music and lyrics by Richard Addrisi. The storyline is trite and you won't go home humming any of the music, but under the perceptive direction of Roger Castellano, the cast does a notable job. The scenic design by Andy Walmsley is most impressive as it converts from an outdoor street scene into the inside of a bar and showplace.
Cloe (Maria Eberline) inherited Sammy's Place when Sammy (Tom Shelton) passed away. Now she is about to lose the place due to gambling debts created by Sammy. The scene then flashes back to relate the story of how Cloe wound up with the place and her love affair with Johnny (Brent Schindele) who left to become a singing sensation (not knowing that she was pregnant). Back to the present, Johnny returns and discovers he has a daughter and lets Cloe know he never stopped loving her. By show's end, the debt is paid, Sammy's Place is saved. and Johnny decides to remain with his family.
Other prominent cast members include Valerie Perri as Sammy's wife Sylvia, Matthew Patrick Davis, Lowe Taylor, and Ezra Buzzington.
Sometimes it is enjoyable to just sit back, relax and enjoy a light musical with talented performers. That is what I did while watching South Street. It may never hit Broadway, or become a number one hit, but it still can offer an evening (or afternoon) of entertainment.
South Street - A New Musical Comedy will continue through October 15, at The Pasadena Playhouse located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, in Pasadena. It plays Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 PM, Saturday at 4 PM and 8 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are available by calling the Playhouse Box Office at (626) 356-7529 or online at www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org. The Pasadena Playhouse and Artistic Director Sheldon Epps are offering tickets at a special price for the Thursday, October 13, 8 PM, performance to anyone living or working in Pasadena. Proof of residency or employment is required.