Swingin' musical brings history, hits and hoots

TEXAS CITY — “Shout! The Mod Musical” is the type of show that inspires sneering reviews from theater snobs who complain about character stereotypes, a slight story and the punning humor. Meanwhile, the rest of us are too busy tapping our toes and having a giggle to care.

Fresh from a 2008 Broadway opening, the local cast show is playing at the College of the Mainland Community Theatre until Feb. 12.

Set in swinging ’60s London, “Shout! The Mod Musical” follows the trials and tribulations of five nameless women who bond over magazine advice in their search for love and happiness.

Creators Phillip George and David Lowenstein use snippets of dialogue, jokes and voice-overs to reveal more about each woman while marking key cultural milestones such as the rise of Beatlemania and the introduction of the contraceptive pill.

The story is secondary to the songs, but what songs. It’s a hit parade of classics such as “Wishin’, Hopin’ and Dreamin’,” “Georgie Girl,” “These Boots Were Made for Walking,” “To Sir with Love” and other iconic tunes made famous by legendary singers such as Dusty Springfield, Cilla Black and Lulu.

Director Mark Adams, choreographer Erica Wylie Motley and musical director Johnny Nichols Jr. have created a lively and entertaining production that offers Broadway-style fun at a fraction of the price. The all female cast (fab five) gives appealing performances that connect with the audience through song, humor and pathos.

Adrian Coco Anderson was sultry as the ice queen “blue girl” with her solo “Don’t Sleep in the Subway.”

Amber Bennett was good as the saucy, good-time “green girl” impressing with her singing, dancing and comic timing. She would have been outstanding with a little more oomph in her performance, although her high energy rendition of “Goldfinger,” ably supported by the full cast, was one of the best songs in the show.

Melanie Bernsen Clinkscales impressed with her acting chops as the desperate housewife “orange girl.” She has a lovely voice and puts great emotion into singing the story of the song, although she was a little quiet in some numbers.

As the endearing, bumbling “red girl,” Monica Marcha was not quite as vocally strong as her castmates, although she is an excellent comedian who fearlessly contorts and throws herself around in a series of slapstick routines.

On opening night, the standout performance came from Kelly Cornell as the Beatles-mad, brash American “yellow girl.” She really is the complete package with believable and funny acting, energetic dancing and a strong voice that belted out great songs such as “Downtown.”

Jodi Bobrovsky’s colorful set features a wall of framed paintings of lips, flowers and other icons, a series of circular platform stages raised at different heights and a painted floor with a sunray motif.

Costume designer Amanda Bezemek’s outfits are a treat for fashion fans. In addition to mini dresses of all persuasions, there are cute pantsuits, hippy flares, a Mary Quant yellow raincoat with matching rain hat and even a crocheted wedding dress.

The fit and construction of some outfits could have been to a higher standard but it was good to see the concepts for each character detailed right down to the careful selection of shoes, jewelry and other accessories.

Lighting has to work extra hard in a musical production with audience members being accustomed to the flashy lighting of music concerts, Broadway extravaganzas and TV shows such as American Idol.

Kelly Babb’s design worked well except for the muddy color palate which muted some moments.

“Shout! The Mod Musical” is a fun night out that has broad appeal. It’s a must-see for '60s aficionados and Anglophiles, and just perfect for a mother/daughter date or a girls’ night out. All together now, “…Well — you know you make me wanna, SHOUT!”

The next theater review is due Feb. 24 and will feature “It Runs in the Family,” a British farce set in a hospital that promises laughs and madhouse antics. It opens at the Bay Area Harbour Playhouse on Feb. 17.

Shannon Caldwell lives on Galveston Island and has been a journalist and theater reviewer for 20 years.