Meet Me In St. Louis
In 1989, the beloved MGM musical starring Judy Garland about a middle-class family learning about love and life under the shadow of the coming 1904 World’s Fair was transformed into a memorable and moving stage classic. Musical Theatre West brings this much desired show to their stage for the first time in their 57 season history and it was well worth the wait.
Under the direction of Co-Artistic Director Richard Israel, this beautiful and simple story of the Smith family is in great hands. From the way the scenes continue through the transformation of the sets, to the use of perfect comic timing, Mr. Israel not only captures all the memories the magical film had to offer, but all creates new and lasting memories with brilliant moments such as the opening of the second act during winter time or the slight of hand we get in the holiday ball.
And he doesn’t miss the little moments either, his attention to detail with the performances from Broadway veterans Norman Large (as brilliant and powerful, yet sensitive Alonso Smith) and Mary Gorgon Murray (as the ever loving and understanding matriarch Anna Smith) is just as wonderful as his work with MTW newcomers Cassie Silva (who steals the show as Esther Smith with such heartbreaking moments as the show’s signature song “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”) and Sarah Bermudez (as the hardball lover Rose Smith).
With an epic set, pitch perfect musical direction by Daniel Thomas and moments that will have you laughing so hard you’ll cry and then so moved you can’t help but smile, Meet Me In St. Louis simply will not disappoint. Bring a loved one to this tale of escape and romance in a simpler day, you deserve a great night at the theatre and this show delivers.
Meet Me In St. Louis is now playing at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach till November 15th. For more information check out www.tams-witmark.com