NYMPH ERRANT - GLITTERING ENSEMBLE

 

 

 

Sharon Rietkerk contemplates her life in "Nymph".  David Allen Photo

 

 

NYMPH ERRANT

For a 1933 musical -- Nymph Errant took some daring turns that probably shocked some of the upper lip English. Act one takes place in Oxford, England. The local Reverend Pither, debates whether it is proper for an English lady (Evangeline) to travel alone -- especially a young, attractive and virginal young woman.

Now the musical romps along to Lausanne, Switzerland, where Evangeline joins her friends. Her friends talk openly about love and sex. Evangeline is intent on exploring what sex is all about. And if anyone can probe the sexual world it would be the inquisitive Evangeline. Her Chemistry teacher encourages “earthy pursuits”. That’s all that Evangeline needed to know. She meets Andre De Croissant, a French theatrical Producer, who wants to take her to France and make her a star in a ‘follies’ type show.

More frolicking takes place in France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and the Arabian Desert. However, hard as she tries – she never seems to hook up with a sexual partner. Even a Maharani doesn’t seem to show much interest in her.

Originally there was a Nudity scene in the musical – but that was cut. However the song “Sweet Nudity” is still in the score. Many other titillating songs remain in the show.

42^nd Moon works its magic again. This is a big production with a perfect cast. The show is irresistible from its first minutes. And you know what – the Actors can sing and dance ever so smoothly. The whole ensemble clicks.

The show is a little long. After all – it takes time to visit the whole world. But the trip is worth it.

Scrumptious music (by Cole Porter) keeps you amused. Musical Director Dave Dobrusky not only plays the piano marvelously, he is also a part of the show. Nick Di Scala is part of the band – A great big part. Really enjoyed it.

HERE IS THE AAAH-INSPIRING CAST: Sharon Rietkerk, Caroline Altman, Leanne Borghesi, Michael Cassidy, Saif Eddin, Alexandra Kaprielian, Eliza Leoni, Lauren Parker, Ray Renati, Steve Rhyne, Nancy Sale, Kelly Sanchez and Erin-Kate Whitcomb. All of these great wizards play many roles in the production.

THE SMART AND WISE GREG MacKELLAN SURE KNOWS HOW TO EMERSE AND ENTHRALL!

RATING: THREE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!! – trademarked-  

(Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he has produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS KQED))) 

Courtesy of beyondchron