By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com
From left, Tarreyn Van Skyke, Jake Chapmanand Janee Page set the pace on this beach.
Surf’s up at the Gaslight Theatre, with all the boys and girls on summer vacation and heading for the water to make the most of their wave-riding opportunities in “Beach Blanket Bee Bop, or That’s for Surfin’!”
Yep, it’s the 1950s all over again, when innocence was a good thing and all the boys loved Barbara Ann. In this show, Janee Page has the role and looks like she knows all the words to every song the Beach Boys ever made.
Included on the Gaslight cast’s hit list are “(Having fun in the warm) California Sun,” “Where the Boys Are,” “Just Like Romeo and Juliet,” “Summertime Blues” and “Love Potion No. 9.”
With music like that, what could possibly go wrong?
At the Gaslight, everyone is always assured a happy ending, though the villains never tire of trying their darnedest to triumph over spunky determination and total confidence in the American Way.
Right from the start Barbara Ann has her eye on Moondoggie (Jake Chapman), who not only has his own surfboard but also has a knack for repairing the Tornado – the favorite ride running at the Surfside Boardwalk.
Only, it’s not running because punk surfer Moose (Todd Thompson) and his goofy sidekick Lunkhead (Charlie Hall) have sabotaged the Tornado and blamed it on Moondoggie.
Never mind about that name. Just know that in the Fifties, guys who were hip to the haps could be nicknamed “Moondoggie.”
So, OK, well Moondoggie’s nerdy sidekick is Melvin (Mike Yarema), a science wiz who will probably grow up to work at NASA. In a contest for which main man has the best sidekick, Melvin would also be the one most likely to win the senior class spelling bee.
But really, the cast member who steals every scene and pretty much takes the whole evening is Tarreyn Van Slyke as Francine, who’s got a really strong thing going for Melvin.
Francine is not only a blushing violet, she’s also the audience favorite whenever circumstance puts her into a potentially compromising (but in a nice way) situation with Melvin.
Adding more tradition is David Orley as Woody Longboard, the schoolteacher all the students like best. Turns out that back in the day, Woody was setting some legends of his own out on the water.
Another era with its own special music is remembered in the Gaslight’s aftershow olio, “Disco Gold.”
This was the era when fashion hid its face, turning colors that never occur in nature, as bellbottoms of every description compete with flowing wigs, lacy sleeves and high-heeled shoes (and that’s just for the guys).
Topping the song list this time are “Boogie Shoes,” “Boogie Oogie Oogie,” “I Just Want To Be Your Everything,” a “Saturday Night Fever” routine and an ABBA tribute.
“Beach Blanket Bee Bop or That’s For Surfin’!” continues through June 8, with shows at various times Tuesdays through Sundays at Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway. Tickets are $18.50 general admission; $16.50 for seniors, students and military; $8.50 for children 12 and under.
For details and reservations, 520-886-9428, or visit www.thegaslighttheatre.com
