Throroughly Delectable

by Megan Laubershimer

 

Spirited music, quick-footed dances, and of course a thoroughly modern girl light up the surprisingly fun Timpanogos production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. 

Based on the Broadway play, Millie is the story of a small town girl who's dreams of making a splash in high society of the 1920s, and marrying her super rich, though nonexistent boss, lead her to the bright lights of the big apple. 

Once there, she encounters free-spirited girls, a crazy Chinese hotel manager who seems to have a sinister air about her, a naive but charming new best friend, and Jimmy, a somewhat debonair guy who might just fall for the girl who's as modern as they come.  With romance, danger, and even a famous star in disguise, Millie finds exactly what's she's been missing and where she belongs.

A play couldn't be a play without the actors, and though all were worthy of a round of applause, some really proved that Broadway talent existed in the school halls.  As famous singer Muzzy Von Hossmere, Camlyn Giddins filled the theatre with her crystal-clear voice.  Looking stunning, even in a blonde wig and pink dress disguise, she added witty humor and fun to the story.

Alana Smith, as the eccentric Mrs. Meers, brings a whole new dimension to the play with her comical role, powerful voice, and hysterical accents.

Caleb Jenson, as the leading man, showed his stuff with a satirical character, light-hearted acting, and a surprisingly stellar voice.  Whoever said musicals weren't cool has never seen Caleb perform.

As the titled character, Shae Hunsaker's performance as Millie goes beyond excellence.  She has it all: she can sing, dance, and act, and she can do it all without seeming to break a sweat.  With a killer voice and superb acting, Shae could definitely have a future in Broadway. 

When asked what the scariest part of a play was, she responded, "the hardest thing is to step on the stage for the first time each night and put on a great show every time.  But once I sing my first song, the nerves go away."

Of course, even with the story, directors, and actors, without the music, the play couldn't go on.  The orchestra brought a whole new level of delight and spiced up the play with animated, jazzy blues and foot-tapping melodies. 

Every song the orchestra played had the audiences' full attention and they, along with everyone else who put time and sweat into the play, made it thoroughly enchanting.